As many of you are aware, I had kidney failure whilst working abroad and also while Rachel was pregnant with Theo. Having had to give up my job and proceed with dialysis in order to survive, times became very hard. Family and friends were our main support in every way, financially and emotionally. 

In November of that year Theo was born, at which time I had managed to stabilise my condition through regular dialysis treatment  

In April of 2014, I was given the wonderful gift of a Kidney and Pancreas transplant by a family who sadly lost a husband and father. Their gift to me, gave me the chance to be a father to Theo and Elizabeth, born in June, just after my transplant.

The transplant was performed by an inspiring team of surgeons, registrars and nurses at Addenbrookes hospital, who could not have performed better in any way. To remember their efforts forever more, Elizabeth was given her name from one of the nurses on the team.

I am now over 4 years on from my transplant with full kidney function and having cured me of diabetes also, I have not taken another insulin injection since. I am no longer hooked up to a dialysis machine every other day for several hours and I am generally in reasonable health, if only rattling slightly from the tablets I take each day.

I have been able to return to work full time in order to provide for all the family and I have recently taken a new position as a maintenance technician that I am thoroughly enjoying. 

Rachel has been an absolute rock throughout the whole experience. Where many would have crumbled, Rachel was there in full support, so it was only appropriate for me to ask for her hand in marriage, the family to be fully completed.

None of this would be possible without the wonderful work Addenbrookes did to give me my life back.

This is why we have decided to ask for donations to the Addenbrooke’s Kidney Patients Association, instead of wedding gifts, to help others that have found themselves in the same situation as I was and need some help and support themselves.

Please only give as much as you wish, as every little bit raised will help this wonderful charity, which is extremely close to our hearts.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.