Amy’s Appeal for a Kidney Donor

At the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund, we are proud to support patients and families living with kidney disease. Today, we want to share the story of Amy, a 23-year-old mum who is bravely speaking out in the hope of finding a kidney donor.

Living with Kidney Disease

Amy is just 23 years old and is a devoted mother to her three-year-old daughter. Sadly, she is living with end stage kidney disease and relies on dialysis to keep her alive.

Dialysis is a life-saving treatment but it is demanding. Amy attends her local dialysis unit three times per week, with each session lasting four hours. This routine places restrictions on what she can eat and drink, her energy levels, her social life, and her freedom to live day-to-day.

Balancing treatment with motherhood is especially tough. As Amy explains:

“I have a three-year-old child who has now started nursery and the juggle of being a mummy with my additional health needs is terrifying. My wish is that I am able to spend more time with her and watch her grow up.”

Why a Kidney Transplant is Needed

For Amy, the only option to lead a more “normal” life without dialysis is a kidney transplant. At present, she does not have a suitable living donor match. This means she could face a wait of two to three years for a deceased donor kidney.

Finding a living kidney donor could transform Amy’s life, allowing her to enjoy precious time with her daughter and look to the future with hope.

How You Can Help

If you have ever considered becoming a living kidney donor, Amy’s story highlights just how life-changing that decision can be. Donating a kidney is a deeply generous act that can save a life.

To learn more about the process and to register your interest, please contact the Living Donor Team in Belfast:

Additional information is available through the NHS Blood and Transplant website, including fact sheets on living kidney donation.

Who Can Apply to Become a Living Kidney Donor?

Potential donors must meet the following criteria:

  • Be aged 18 or over
  • Be a UK resident
  • Be in good general health, with no ongoing treatments or investigations
  • Not have diabetes
  • Have a BMI (Body Mass Index) below 30 (use the NHS BMI Calculator to check)

Please note: Amy and her family have kindly asked that anyone interested does not contact them directly. All enquiries must go through the official Living Donor Team.

Thank You

On behalf of Amy, we thank you for taking the time to read her story. Sharing appeals like this raises awareness of the urgent need for living kidney donors and helps bring hope to patients and families across Northern Ireland.