Lisa joins paired organ donor scheme to give gift of life

Lisa Shipley, from Cheltenham, works as a Medical Secretary in the Department of Gastroenterology at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Her journey as a living donor is just beginning. She said:

“I can’t speak highly enough of Sarah Ryder, Renal Transplant Specialist nurse and Consultant Dr Susannah Jenkin. Sarah explained about the paired donor scheme. I wanted to do this, it’s the ultimate gift.”

When living donors are not a suitable match for a loved one, it may be possible to be matched with another donor recipient pair in the same situation and for the donor kidneys to be exchanged.

Craig was told to go straight to hospital after seeing his GP when he experienced dizziness. His first transplant was from his sister in 2008 after undergoing home dialysis. At the time he was told the transplant wouldn’t be a cure and he would need another transplant later in life.

Lisa explains how much support Craig has received from some great friends. He’s had quite a few people offer to test for him. Craig retired from his plastering job due to ill health but enjoys his hobby as a DJ at festivals.

His health has been declining over the past year. Despite this he’s managed to lose two stone since June and is undergoing tests prior to the transplant.

The couple will be moving to Tewkesbury shortly to be closer to their three daughters. The transplants will take place early next year at The Churchill Hospital in Oxford. Both are looking forward to celebrating their 50th birthdays after their recovery.

You can register your decision to be an organ and tissue donor on the Organ Donation Register.