How the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme is changing lives
"I had a spare kidney, while others are dying in need of one"
A London man who donated a kidney to a stranger after watching a YouTube video is one of the 1,000 'gamechangers' of kidney donation – those individuals who help save lives by donating to a stranger.
Keegan Shepard's decision to donate a kidney to someone he didn't know has enabled lifesaving transplant chains, helping multiple patients receive much needed kidney transplants.
Since the launch of the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme in 2007, over 2,000 people have received lifesaving kidney transplants through the Kidney Sharing Scheme.
The scheme brings together people who want to donate a kidney to a friend or relative but aren’t the right match, with strangers who want to donate their kidneys and are the right match. These 'kidney swaps' allow donor-recipient pairs who may not be a medical match for each other to instead exchange kidneys with other pairs in the cycle - dramatically increasing the chances of successful transplants.
The scheme benefits all patients, adults and children, including long-waiting patients and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
Keegan's story
Keegan's journey to donation started unexpectedly after watching a YouTube video of an ultra-marathoner in his native US, who had donated a kidney and was thriving.
The 34-year-old Senior Research Manager from London has been a regular blood donor since the age of 18 and had considered kidney donation on and off throughout his life.
Reflecting on his decision, Keegan said:
"I had a spare kidney, while others are dying in need of one.
"Patients often suffer from severe fatigue, nausea, muscle cramps, and a dramatically reduced quality of life.
"Many must give up work, social activities, and even simple freedoms like travelling without medical support. It is hard to fully understand or appreciate just how deeply it impacts those living with the condition.
"A transplant, however, can literally offer a second chance at a fuller, healthier life—something I felt compelled to contribute to."
Keegan's left kidney was successfully transplanted into an anonymous patient in need. Within days, he was back home, recovering with the support of his wife, Megan, and their two cats.
Since the surgery, life for Keegan has largely returned to normal.
"I am back at work and celebrated my birthday with a well-earned trip to Romania, indulging in some much-needed relaxation in Bucharest. I've gradually resumed running, taking it slow as I rebuild my fitness.
"Looking ahead, I'm eager to get back into weird and wonderful places to take on new physical challenges and am on the lookout for upcoming trail ultra-marathons."
Keegan has taken back to walking in his recovery following his donation
Keegan has shared his story as part of NHS Blood and Transplant’s first-ever Living Donation Week (10 to 16 March), which coincides with World Kidney Day (Thursday 13 March).
The week celebrates the selfless 'gamechangers' who kick off a chain of transplants by donating selflessly
For anyone considering organ donation Keegan says:
"I can say with confidence that the journey, while challenging, is immensely rewarding.
"It's a commitment that not only changes the life of the recipient but enriches your own in ways you might never have imagined.
"If you have a 'spare tyre in your boot', consider helping someone in need. You might just find it's one of the most fulfilling things you ever do"