DSCF0112St George’s recently hosted a small celebration for kidney donors and recipients from the last year. They were joined by the Renal team, who did a record amount of 145 transplants last year, giving them a chance to come together to talk to each other about their experiences and to celebrate.

One of the donors, Spencer Moss, below, revealed his new tattoo, a permanent reminder that he was: “Proud to give the gift of life” to best friend, Dave, in 2013.

class-of-2013

Kathryn Harrison took to the trust’s Facebook page to say:
“I was a kidney donor at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in 2010 and am so glad I did it. My husband was the recipient and it has given him – and therefore me – a new lease of life. We could not fault the care and support we received both at St George’s and at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust and I would urge anyone considering it to go for it.”

Cindy Woolley also opted to add her story and opinion via social media: “I had my transplant there in 2009 and the donor was my cousin and the care that we received was incredible including the 3 months that I attended the outpatients transplant clinic. They all do an incredible job.”

Donors and the the Renal team were joined by BBC London news, who did a wonderful piece on the team which appeared on both lunchtime and evening news.

Special Health Authority NHS Blood and Transport (NHSBT) Tweeted: “@StGeorgesTrust were discussing kidney donation on @BBCLondonNews yesterday,” concluding by urging its 12,700 followers to visit BBC iPlayer and watch the broadcast, which was available for 24 hours after transmission.

Notes to editors

“Horley kidney donor calls on others to give ‘the gift of life'” GetSurrey.co.uk