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Across the UK, more than 1,000 people each year donate a kidney or part of their liver while they are still alive to a relative, friend or someone they do not know. The most commonly donated organ by a living person is a kidney. A healthy person can lead a normal life with only one functioning kidney and therefore they are able to donate the other to help someone in need of a kidney transplant. Here, as part of #OrganDonationWeek, we share the story of Jenny and Richard who talk of how a living organ donation can change lives. Jenny Hemingway donated a kidney to Richard, her husband, in February this year as part of the Living Donor programme at Northern General Hospital in Sheffield. The journey started back in the summer of 2018 when Richard was diagnosed Stage 4 chronic kidney disease. After initial testing showed donation was a possibility, Jenny underwent more rigorous testing in September of that year to ensure the kidney was suitable and that her health would not be made worse by donating. Having reached End Stage Kidney Failure in May 2022 Richard started haemodialysis sessions at the Renal Unit in the Northern General three times a week, before having his remaining kidney removed in December 2022, as it was causing him health issues. Having been cleared to be his donor, Richard and Jenny began the wait for a transplant date – with an initial time set for October 2023. This was delayed due to Richard having COVID, but they eventually got the go ahead for 8 February 2024. Jenny says: “We were both extremely nervous to say the least, but the transplant went ahead successfully and, though initially the kidney was ‘sleepy’ for the first couple of weeks, thankfully now it has ‘kicked in’ and the freedom it has given us both is brilliant. “It has changed our lives - we were never able to go on holiday for longer than a weekend between dialysis for nearly three years and this year we have had three week-long holidays in the UK. I will never take a holiday for granted ever again!! “Whilst on dialysis, Richard was unable to drink more than a litre of fluid a day, which obviously included tea, coffee and water, but also things like ice cream, yoghurt an even gravy and now he doesn’t have to measure any fluids and if he wants and ice cream or glass of wine, he can have one! His energy and fitness levels have improved too. In July we both did the Peak District Ultra 10-mile Challenge for Kidney Research. “Sometimes I say to myself, ‘I made that happen’ and feel quite proud. “Organ donation, whilst not a cure, can transform the recipient’s life immeasurably, so please have the conversation with your loved ones.” @SheffieldHosp