From Grief to Giving: Liz Wilson’s Inspiring Journey as a Living Kidney Donor
- Ones Enough
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Every so often, someone reaches out to us at One's Enough requesting one of our signature woolly kidneys, and in doing so, they share a story that absolutely stops us in our tracks.
That is exactly what happened when Liz Wilson got in touch.
Liz’s journey into living kidney donation is a beautiful testament to legacy, family, and the extraordinary power of "sharing a spare." We are so incredibly grateful to Liz for allowing us to share her story on our website to help inspire others.
A Mother’s Legacy 🕊️
Liz’s story begins in 2021 with a heartbreaking loss. When her mother sadly passed away, Liz and her brothers made the joint decision to agree to organ donation.
Her mother’s kidneys were donated to people in desperate need. A few months later, the family received a letter from one of the recipients. Reading that letter, Liz could see first-hand how the transplant had completely transformed and saved a life.
It was in that moment of profound connection that a seed was planted. Liz decided to look into becoming a living kidney donor herself.
The Road to Donation: 18 Months of Care
From her very first inquiry, Liz was guided by an exceptional team of live donor coordinators, nurses, and surgeons. To make the process easier, she was even able to have her initial blood tests done right at her local GP surgery.
From her first step to the day of surgery, the entire journey took about 18 months.
When the time came, Liz was admitted to the hospital the day before her operation. After a night on a pre-op drip, the morning arrived. Liz admits the nerves started to creep in—especially since she had never had a general anaesthetic before—as she put on her surgical gown and stockings.
"I was wheeled down to a waiting room and a final check was done before I was taken into a room where I had a spinal anaesthetic. They put a mask over my mouth and the next thing I remember is waking up in the recovery ward."
Recovery and the "Art of Doing Nothing" 🧘♀️
After a busy, noisy first night in the recovery ward with frequent observations, Liz’s catheter was removed the next morning, and she was gently up on her feet walking around. After just three nights in hospital, she was discharged.
Back home, Liz was given the best advice possible: take it easy.
She fully embraced the art of doing absolutely nothing, giving her body the grace and time it needed to heal. Slowly but surely, she began to walk a little further each day and started practising yoga more regularly.
From Hospital Bed to Mountain Peaks! ⛰️✈️
If you think donating a kidney leaves you slowed down, Liz is living proof of the exact opposite! Her recovery was nothing short of spectacular:
At 7 weeks post-op: Liz was standing near the summit of Mount Etna in Italy! 🌋
At 11 weeks post-op: She was trekking the hills of Los Angeles to the Hollywood Sign! 🎬
"If you are able to do it, go for it!"
Liz’s message to anyone considering living donation is simple and powerful:
"If donating a kidney is something you are able to do, go for it! It’s a great feeling knowing you have potentially saved somebody’s life and they are able to enjoy a better quality of life."
Thank you, Liz, for sharing your beautiful heart (and your remaining kidney!) with the world. You are a true hero, and your story perfectly reminds us all why One's Enough.
🔗 Inspired by Liz's story? Learn more about how you can start your own living donor journey at onesenough.co.uk.
#OnesEnough #LivingKidneyDonor #OrganDonation #DonorStory #LizWilson #LiveDonation #KidneyAwareness #Wales #InspirationalJourney
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