Katie's story

Katie from Worcester was 27 when she received the transplant which ultimately saved her life.

Her donor was an anonymous stranger who had decided to donate a kidney to whoever turned out to be the best match.

Katie was diagnosed with renal failure aged 19 after blood tests following back pain and nose bleeds.

Katie, a regulatory research officer for oncology trials, says: “I wanted to be a paramedic so I had to change my whole life plan. I had to clock watch every day. My day to day plans revolved around dialysis."

A typical day for Katie on dialysis would involve four fluid exchanges starting at 6.30am, sometimes finishing as late at 1am, with a day’s work in the middle.

"I never told anyone about my dialysis or that I had end stage renal failure until I was discharged from having the transplant. I put it as a status on Facebook.

“I didn't want any pity or special treatment, I remained defiant that I didn't need a transplant for years. I didn't want to lose that feeling of normality at work or out with friends.”

“By the time of my transplant, I had been on dialysis for eight years. I was tired, depressed with feeling so unwell and with having no freedom. I felt dizzy and sick, and I had headaches.”