Hi, my name is Stephen Greer. I was placed on kidney dialysis in May 2021. I knew nothing about kidney dialysis until I was hospitalized that year. My lungs were full of blood to the point I was coughing it up. After filling a pint glass with blood, a friend convinced me to go to the hospital. Once admitted, I was told my lungs were over 90% filled with blood, my kidneys had failed, and my heart had sustained significant damage. Essentially, I was told I was going to die and needed to plan my funeral.

I was placed in a coma, but I woke up. Upon regaining consciousness, I was informed that I had stage 5 kidney disease—end-stage kidney disease—and that I needed kidney dialysis. I received my first transplant on December 17, 2021, and returned home on Christmas Eve. All I wanted was a Christmas dinner. However, I felt a pain in my side as soon as I got home, though I thought nothing of it at the time.

Later that night, I woke around 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and the pain worsened through the night. By 8 a.m. on Christmas Day, I called the hospital to report the pain. I was advised to come straight to the City Hospital. Thanks to a friend named Tommy, I got there as quickly as possible. I was immediately taken into surgery and woke up on Christmas night. The first thing I asked was, “Where’s my Christmas dinner?” To my disappointment, I was told there wasn’t any. I then inquired about my kidney and learned that it had to be removed due to a blood clot. The kidney had swollen and eventually ruptured. Needless to say, it wasn’t the best Christmas I’ve ever had, but the staff and nurses were amazing. Their care made it a bit easier to cope, and I will never forget them.

After this, I went back on kidney dialysis. I joined the Renal Arts Group at QUB, which turned out to be a fantastic decision. I met an incredible group of positive people. Over time, I became Co-Chair of the Renal Arts Group. Honestly, the main things that have kept me going are my kids, my art, and the amazing people working in the health service, kidney charities, and the Renal Arts Group.

Then, on a Friday afternoon after a dialysis session, I received a call from a withheld number. It was the City Hospital offering me a kidney. The date was January 6, 2023. I made my way to the City Hospital, had the operation, and felt amazing the very next day. I returned home on Monday, January 9, and things have only improved since then.

Recently, I attended an event with NIKRF, where I met an amazing young lady named Hannah Johns, our current Miss Northern Ireland. She is such a beautiful person, inside and out—a true gem for our country. While speaking with Hannah, we realized she had nursed me on Christmas Day 2021. That revelation made me smile; it’s not every day you’re cared for by Miss Northern Ireland! Hopefully, she’ll become Miss World soon.

Hannah later asked if I could create a drawing or painting for her to take to the Miss World competition in 2025, to auction in support of NIKRF, her chosen charity. I was blown away by her request. What an honor it would be to contribute to such an incredible cause.

So, my Christmas message to everyone is: Never give up. No matter what you’re going through, things can always get better. Out of darkness comes hope. ❤️