Meet the intensive care nurse whose life has been transformed thanks to organ donation

Most of us would accept an organ if we needed one or would want one to be available if a loved one needed a transplant. 

Lisa Radley, an intensive care nurse manager at Warrington Hospital, knows just how powerful the difference organ donation can make between life and death. 

Becoming a nurse had been Lisa’s passion since she was 6 years old, inspired by helping her parents care for her disabled sister. Thanks to organ donation she has been able to continue the career she loves while caring for some of the trust's most critically ill patients on the Intensive Care Unit.

Lisa began her training at Warrington Hospital in 1990, but 5 years later she was diagnosed with IGA nephropathy, a chronic kidney disease that meant she would eventually need dialysis and a kidney transplant.

By 2003 both her kidneys had failed, and her life revolved around hospital appointments, medications and overnight dialysis. For years dialysis restricted her life, preventing spontaneous plans, travel and everyday moments such as going swimming with her son. 

Then, on Valentine’s Day 2007 everything changed. Lisa’s wish came true and she received the call to say a matching kidney had been found. 

Speaking about receiving the call, Lisa said: “I had very mixed emotions about receiving a transplant. I was excited at the prospect of not needing to have dialysis every night but also felt great sadness for my donor and her family for giving me the gift of life.” 

Now, almost 20 years after receiving her transplant, Lisa says it has given her more than just a second chance at life.

“Receiving a donor kidney has enabled me to return to the job I love, allowed me to watch my son grow into a young man and has helped me to achieve my own personal goals,” she said.

“It has given me the greatest gift of all, freedom. This is something that should never be taken for granted and is priceless. If you are considering organ donation, remember you won’t only be changing one person’s life, you will be changing the entire family’s life by allowing them to spend time with their loved ones and achieve their goals.”

There are more than 8,500 people currently waiting for a transplant in the UK.

The waiting list has never been higher, and each day someone in the UK dies whilst waiting for a transplant.

Executive medical director Dr Paul Fitzsimmons said: “We need more people in Warrington and Halton to talk about organ donation and register their decision on the national register. 

“Sadly, many opportunities for lifesaving transplants are lost each year because families don't know what their loved one wanted, despite 9 out of 10 families telling us they would support organ donation if they knew. 

“It only takes 2 minutes to confirm your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, and you could save up to 9 lives. There’s no age limit for becoming an organ donor and having an illness or medical condition doesn't necessarily prevent a person from donating.

“We can change things, though we need your support to get people talking.”

People can sign up to join the NHS Organ Donor Register and register their decision by visiting organdonation.nhs.uk or via the NHS App.