A Fife woman who successfully donated her kidney to a stranger is spearheading a new drive to raise awareness of living donations.
The altruistic actions of Leven woman Susan Greig, 44, has transformed the life of seven-year-old Megan Stone, who lives in Worcestershire.
Now Megan’s gran Siobhan Stilwell has talked about the exceptional gift given to the youngster.
Since the transplant Megan has been able to go to school, learn to ride her bike, and has become a competent swimmer.
In Scotland over the last decade 500 people have become living kidney donors, but there are more than 400 people waiting for a kidney transplant.
Six years ago Megan was diagnosed with acute kidney failure caused by Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome.
Sadly her first transplant failed because of complications and she was put on the waiting list in 2015.
Four months later, the news came that a perfect match had been found.
Susan decided to investigate the possibility of becoming a donor after listening to a radio programme.
“I lost my mum when I was a baby and grew up wishing someone could have helped her, so I suppose I saw this as a way of giving that chance to someone else,” she said.
Susan discovered before surgery that the recipient was a child.
“I wasn’t prepared for how much I’d think about that person in the weeks and months that followed” she said.
She knew the transplant had been a success, but understood she might never know more.
“When I received a letter from Megan’s grandfather, it blew me away.
She felt lucky and privileged to have been part of what she described as a “fairy tale”.
Megan’s gran said the family knew it was a race against time when her first transplant failed.
Doctors talked of a 75% chance Megan would have to wait up to two years for a transplant.
“Thankfully our wait was short, thanks to the decision of someone we had never met.”
She said there were no words to express their thanks to Susan.
“We just wanted to let that person know how important she is to us.
“Megan now talks about Susan, and even though we’ve never met she’ll always be a part of our lives. ”
Living donor transplant co-ordinator Jen Lumsdaine said: “As Megan and Susan’s powerful story illustrates, living kidney donation transforms lives.
To find out more visit www.livingdonationscotland.org.
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