'I didn't know my donor, but they gave me a life I wouldn't have had'

Niamh tells her transplant story ahead of donor awareness week

- 

A YOUNG woman who had a kidney transplant as a child is now awaiting a second one after the organ suddenly failed in adulthood.

But inspirational Niamh Dowling - who told her story to mark the launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week is not putting her life on hold.

Niamh, 33, from Carrickmines in Dublin, was diagnosed with kidney disease as a toddler. At 10 years old she began peritoneal dialysis at home, and two years later she received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor.

But when she was in her early 30s, her transplanted kidney failed and she’s now hoping for another one.

Ahead of the awareness week, which begins on May 10, Niamh said: “It was sudden and unexpected, but I didn't have a choice, I had to return to dialysis. I had to get back into it, stay busy, and find a way to make it work.”