A compassionate NHS worker from Teesside, who gave her colleague's son a second chance at life through a living kidney donation, is now urging others to consider the same incredible gift as the new year begins.
A Life-Changing Act of Kindness
Susan Baldwin, a training and support officer at University Hospitals Tees, made the life-altering decision to donate one of her kidneys to Will Postgate. She learned of Will's struggle with Alport syndrome, a genetic condition that was progressively damaging his kidneys. The transplant took place on February 2, 2022 at The James Cook University Hospital.
Following the successful surgery, Will experienced a dramatic improvement in his health. He regained the ability to perform everyday tasks, returned to full-time work, and even enjoyed travelling. Susan herself made a strong recovery, returning to work just six and a half weeks after the operation.
The Ongoing Need for Donors
However, three and a half years after the transplant, Will's donated kidney is beginning to fail. He is now back on dialysis and urgently requires another transplant. This turn of events has strengthened Susan's resolve to champion the cause of living donation.
"Nobody knows what is around the corner, and you never know if you or a loved one will need this help," Susan said. "You don’t have to be a family relation to put yourself forward – you can change a stranger’s life by registering to become a living donor today."
How You Can Help Save a Life
Renal nurse specialist Joanne Ashton, who supported Susan through her donation journey, emphasised the scale of the need. "There are over 7,000 people on the transplant waiting list who are relying on the selflessness and compassion of people like Susan to change their life," she stated.
Ashton encourages anyone thinking about New Year's health resolutions to consider giving the gift of health to someone else. She confirms that signing up to the organ donation register is a quick and simple process with the potential to save a life.
Susan's final advice to prospective donors is to speak openly with family and friends first, as their support will be invaluable on the donation journey.
