Two days ago our lives changed forever. And it’s all thanks to my best friend and soul sister, Leah.

Giselle’s story

I’ve had kidney problems for about 11 years and over the last year, I’ve been been battling end stage kidney failure. I started haemodialysis three weeks ago because my own kidneys couldn’t keep up and I became dangerously poorly. 

Leah has been by my side throughout my 11 year journey to end stage, and I can’t thank her enough for everything she has done to support me during the most difficult time in my life.

But wait, there’s more...

Leah wanted to take the next step in helping me by donating one of her kidneys if she could. It’s been a long journey, but...

Last week, she did just that ❤️

We’ve named my new kidney Tyson because like his name suggests, he’s a heavy weight champion! 😀👊 Tyson has over 90% kidney function, which is so good, we’ve become the talk of the renal unit at City Hospital in Nottingham. My consultant even ordered repeat blood tests because he thought my results couldn’t possibly be so good one day into a kidney transplant. Blood tests today confirmed that my renal function is still over 90%.

Leah has changed my life forever, and there’s nothing in the world that I could say or do that would express how grateful I am, what a special person she is, how brave and fearless she has been, and how much I love her. She’s my hero, and I will never forget what she’s done for me ❤

We’re fundraising for Kidney Care UK because of the incredible support they give to people experiencing kidney problems. They’ve helped me get through the most challenging experience in my life. Please help to support their wonderful work by donating what you can. 

Leah's Story 

My best friend Giselle has been bravely battling kidney disease for many years now, she has consistently remained positive and has never once complained. We always knew that one day she would need a transplant and I told her a long time ago that it she ever needed one and I was able to donate to her, then I would .

I don't think either of us could have imagined the journey we'd have to go on to get here, but after the last 18 months of intensive testing, delays, breakthroughs, hurdles & emotional whirlwinds, two days ago I was finally able to donate my kidney to her. It still doesnt feel real that we have made it to here, especially considering the obstacles we have faced, but we're absolutely overjoyed that the transplant has finally gone ahead and has been an incredible success. 

In true Giselle style she is absolutely thriving & I'm so overwhelmingly proud of her. Anyone who knows her will know how incredibly resilient, brave & positive she is, even in the face of such great adversity. She is an inspiration to me! I'm so proud and grateful to have been a part of this journey with her and I couldn't be happier that Tyson (the heavyweight champion kidney) is settling into his new home.  Donating my kidney truly has been the most remarkable and humbling experience of my whole life and I'm so grateful to Giselle for always being by my side, supporting me through the highs, lows and obstacles of life ❤❤❤

Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey. If anyone would like to contribute to our fundraiser for Kidney Care UK, a charity doing fantastic work to support people like Giselle, then we would be so grateful ❤🙏 a huge thank you in advance