Kidney transplants “completely transformed” my life

There are over 6,000 people in the UK awaiting a kidney transplant. Of these, about 90 are from Northern Ireland.

There are over 6,000 people in the UK awaiting a kidney transplant. Of these, about 90 are from Northern Ireland.

Over 200 kidney donors from the UK's Living Kidney Sharing Scheme came from Northern Ireland.

Over 850 million people worldwide have kidney disease in some way.

On this world's kidney day, we've heard from someone whose life changed – after he discovered that he needed a transplant.

This was the peak of his career.

International Hockey Coach and INST School coach Graeme Francey spoke to us on this World Kidney Day to raise awareness after kidney transplants in the summer of 2021.

The condition of Graeme Francey, who was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2007, eventually requiring a life-saving kidney transplant, so her sister Lynn Shanks selflessly donated her kidneys to give Graeme a new lease.

Graeme's journey began when a daily GP visit detected high blood pressure. Following a blood test, he was referred to the kidney unit at Ulster Hospital. “Within 15 minutes of meeting Dr. Smith, I was told that within a year I needed a kidney transplant. That was a huge shock,” he recalls.

“It was a huge shock for me to be diagnosed. I never thought I had chronic kidney disease. My kidney function was only 16%. At the time I was hoping to participate in hockey coaching full-time and was a finalist for an international coaching job. I then met Dr. Smith, a consultant nephrologist at Ulster Hospital, which changed my life.”

On the day of the transplant, Graeme's main concern was his sister. “I was more worried about Lin than I did. I knew she was in good hands, and that was what was important to me,” he shared.

Now fully recovered, Graeme returns to her passion for hockey coaching, feeling stronger and more energetic than before. “For those considering donating organs, you should know that they are changing someone's lives. I was very fortunate,” he added.

To promote kidney health, a specialist at Ulster Hospital, Dr. Richard McCllory emphasizes early detection. “The focus of World Kidney Day 2025 is “Is your kidneys okay?” Symptoms of CKD may not appear until they progress significantly, such as urine dipsticks and blood monitoring.

Dr. McCrory explained that history of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity increases the risk of developing CKD, but patients may develop CKD without these factors. “Managing salt intake, weight and blood pressure are key to reducing CKD risk and progression. SGLT2 inhibitors originally designed to treat diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of CKD progression, and the Ulster Hospital Renal unit played an active role in this study.”

He also emphasized the importance of smoking cessation, saying, “smoking can accelerate the progression of CKD and strongly encourages patients to quit.”

“Awareness and self-management are essential to reduce the complications of kidney disease. People also need incentives at the community, government and social levels to support positive health behaviors.”

Graeme repeated this sentiment, continuing to remain positive among those diagnosed with CKD and encouraged them to control their health. “It focuses on control, diet, exercise and medical advice. While transplant diagnosis is life-changing, caring for kidney health is essential.”

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