In the year 2000, at the age of thirty nine, I was diagnosed with end stage renal failure. Three months later I was on dialysis. It was an unexpected shock that changed my life completely and affected my whole family. I had to resign from my job. It was no longer easy to pack up and go on holidays or be there for my children during special events at school. Even with a supportive group of friends and family, just getting them to school and back was a challenge. It was a problematic, stressful life and I felt quite unwell and tired most of the time.

Then, three years later, I received the most amazing gift of all, a pre-loved kidney. The transplant absolutely transformed my life. The wonderful thoughtfulness of an organ donor gave me a second chance to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Most importantly I have been able to be there for my family and have fully enjoyed watching my children grow up. I now have the energy to dance like a teenager at live gigs and play in the waves of our beautiful beaches.

My transplant has given me the opportunity to meet some interesting people. When they ask me what life means to me, my answer is simple. I am so blessed to be alive and life is an amazing adventure. Every day is precious and like many transplant recipients, I live life in the moment. I will always be incredibly grateful for the most generous gift any human being could give, a part of them that lives on to give another person a chance for a happy, healthy life.