True friendship is...giving away a kidney

[okarol]

True friendship is...giving away a kidney

Published Date: 03 March 2010
Saving lives is what she does for a living.
But paramedic Josie Angland took the concept one step further when she saved her colleague's life by donating a kidney.

Although the 42-year-old wasn't a relative of seriously ill Sarah Townsend, tests revealed they were compatible enough to undergo a transplant.

The pair are now both back at work at Leyland Ambulance Station, in Cross Street, and last week Josie was given an award for her bravery.

The modest heroine said: "I felt I had to do something because there's a shortage of donors.

"My only hope is that it might inspire more people to register as an organ donor."

Josie has worked for the Ambulance Service for 15 years and been a paramedic for nine.

It was back in 2008 that she learnt her colleague Sarah, 44, who works as an ambulance technician, was suffering from "end stage" renal failure.

"It meant she needed a transplant," said Josie. "Without it she would have had to go on dialysis.

"I've known Sarah for years and a few of her friends went to be tested to see if we were compatible.

"You're more likely to get a match from a family member, but it's possible to get a match from a non-blood relative too.

"I was rated a four out of six match which was well above average. I was the most compatible.

"The doctors said we could still lead a normal life with one kidney, so I decided to go ahead with it. I was worried about it but felt I could transform Sarah's life."

The pals underwent the transplant at Manchester Royal Infirmary, which meant that both women were off work for several months.

"I understand it's a big gesture but it highlights the need for organ donors," she said. "When you attend a tragedy, organ donation is the last thing on a family's mind.

"If people registered their wish to be a donor beforehand it would save a lot of heartache and save a lot of lives."

Sarah has now returned to work and says it's all down to Josie's decision.

Sarah said: "I was working full-time and it was horrendous. I've got a mortgage to pay. I'd been in the job since 1994 and my life turned upside down."

Sarah, who grew up in Chorley, shared the news with Josie.

"I told Josie she didn't have to do it because I could have gone on dialysis, but she decided to do it," said Sarah.

"Now I feel normal again. I haven't felt this good for years. My life is completely different because of Josie. She's a very special friend. I could never really repay her."

Last week, Josie picked up the Laura Bolton Award for Outstanding Service at the staff awards ceremony.

To register as a donor call the NHS Donor Line on 0300 1232323.

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/True-friendship-isgiving-away-a.6118449.jp