A woman is preparing for a second vital kidney transplant – 20 years after she had her first.

And the new kidney Clare Hart will receive when she undergoes the surgery in a week’s time is being provided by her nephew.

Mrs Hart was only 19 when, in 1990, she underwent life-saving surgery at Guy’s Hospital after her kidneys failed.

Now 40, she faces the same operation in the same hospital in a week’s time as the original donated kidney has reached the end of its life.

Reflecting on the first operation, Mrs Hart, of Marshalls Land, St Michael’s, said: “I was very ill for a couple of years and was put on the list for a transplant.

“After the operation, I had to have checks every three months.
“I never knew if it was going to last a week or months.”

The complicated procedure sees the failing kidneys left in place and a new kidney put into the groin connected to the main artery in the leg.

But first, a patient needs a donor – and Mrs Hart has found one in her 23-year-old nephew, Iain Lilley.

She said: “We are close and my niece, Sarah, also went for tests and both were compatible, but they decided to go for Iain.
“I’m not sure how I feel. I’m more worried about Iain.”

Mrs Hart – who was featured several times in the Kentish Express back in 1990 – has long been a fundraiser for the Kidney Patient Association and is keen to promote the use of donor cards.

Rosemary Macri , chief executive of the British Kidney Patient Association, said: “Many people are dying while on the huge waiting list for a kidney transplant and cards make a major difference.”

For more information visit www.britishkidney-pa.co.uk