Sheffield living kidney donor to run half marathon

A man who is a living kidney donor is running a half marathon to prove that donors lead normal, healthy lives.
Maureen Giblin, with her brother-on-law Julian Parker, both of Sheffield. Julian is a living kidney donor. His donation enabled Maureen to be matched with another living donor when she needed a kidney transplant, through the National Living Donor Kidney Sharing Schemes.Maureen Giblin, with her brother-on-law Julian Parker, both of Sheffield. Julian is a living kidney donor. His donation enabled Maureen to be matched with another living donor when she needed a kidney transplant, through the National Living Donor Kidney Sharing Schemes.
Maureen Giblin, with her brother-on-law Julian Parker, both of Sheffield. Julian is a living kidney donor. His donation enabled Maureen to be matched with another living donor when she needed a kidney transplant, through the National Living Donor Kidney Sharing Schemes.

Julian Parker, aged 47, will raise money for Sheffield Hospitals Charity when he runs the Yorkshire Half Marathon on April 9.

Julian became a living kidney donor last year, which allowed his sister-in-law to receive an organ of her own after suffering from kidney problems for nearly 20 years.

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Maureen Giblin, aged 52, received her kidney as part of a national scheme which sees organs matched across the country.

Julian said: “Maureen was feeling constantly tired and unwell with frequent headaches. She felt hungry, but nauseous at the same time and her skin was itchy and dry.

“I wanted to help her so I was tested to be a donor. I was a close match, but not close enough.”

Julian then registered for the National Living Donor Kidney Sharing Schemes.

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If a patient is in need of a kidney and has a family member or close friend who is willing to donate but is incompatible, it may be possible to be matched with another donor and recipient pair in the same situation and for the donor kidneys to be exchanged.

Julian added: “Last June I donated a kidney which meant Maureen received a new one. We were both fit and healthy soon afterwards - and still are.

“Maureen’s health improved almost instantly. Her skin improved and her eyes were brighter. She has no food restrictions and lives a normal life.”

Donate at www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk/why-help-patients/kidney-disease.