Desborough Mum Urges Families to Discuss Organ Donation

A Desborough mum who received a life-changing kidney transplant from her dad is encouraging families to talk about their wishes for organ donation.

Kathryn Croker was given the gift of life by her dad Kevin Abraham, from Rushton, who became a living donor in 2013, after a rare condition caused her kidneys to fail when she was a child.

Now married to Luke and mum to daughter Millie, who was born last year, Kathryn has been speaking to HFM during Organ Donation Week about the importance of discussing organ donation with loved ones.

Kathryn and Millie

Health leaders are also urging families to have what can be difficult conversations, following a sharp decline in organ donation.

NHS Blood and Transplant says urgent action is needed, with around 8,700 people currently on the transplant waiting list nationwide.

The organisation has described this as one of the most challenging periods for organ donation in more than a decade.

Kathryn with her Dad Kevin who underwent an operation to remove his kidney so it could be transplanted into her in 2013.

More than 250 people are currently waiting for a transplant across Leicestershire and Northamptonshire and although people are automatically on the donor register unless they opt out, families still have the final say.

Kathryn hopes sharing her experience will encourage more people to discuss their wishes with their families, so loved ones understand what they would want if the situation ever arises.

She will also need another kidney transplant in the future: