Organ donors are 'incredibly special' and mean I live life to fullest says grateful Simon

KIDNEY RECIPIENT'S PRAISE FOR KEY SERVICE'S 20TH

- By ELLA PICKOVER

A DERBYSHIRE man who received a kidney transplant in 2015 has described how “incredibly special” organ donation is as he thanked the family of his donor.

It comes as NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) thanked blood, organ and stem cell donors as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Simon Elmore, 50, from Belper, who has since competed in the Transplant Games, said: “My kidneys suddenly failed when I was 33 and I was added to the transplant waiting list.

“Five years into that wait, I had a stroke and fell seriously ill. At one point I wasn't expected to survive the night.

“Since I received my transplant, now a full decade ago, I've gone on to live life to its fullest. I now have the chance to open my eyes every day and smile.