Life returning to normal for Oswestry kidney couple

In 2015 Nicola, 47, was able to give her husband a new lease of life, when she donated one of her kidneys to him.

Born with one kidney, the 49-year-old faced a life on dialysis when it failed, but unbelievably, while his own brothers' organs were not a match, Nicola's was.

Their experiences have left Nicola adamant that the English government should follow Wales in asking people to opt out, rather than opt in to the national organ donation scheme.

They have also left the couple, from Oswestry, determined to save as much as possible for the charity, Kidney Care UK.

In recent weeks they have helped organise a ball in aid of two cancer charities and accepted a cheque for £2,233, from a trio of cyclists who completed a 60 mile bike ride for the cause earlier this week.

Bob Martin, Mark Millington and Ed Tomkiss, cycled from The Inn on the Green in Shrewsbury to the Ponsonby Arms in Llangollen and back again to the pub for a charity night.

Nicola said: "Bob only heard about our story when he bought tickets for the charity ball. He contacted us to find out more and then said they would do their cycle ride for Kidney Care. People have been amazing, so generous in helping us to raise money.

The couple have raised more than £5,600 since the transplant.

"The operation was two years ago last August and we are really only just able to look forward. It has been a rocky road with Ade having a lot of hospital admissions and not long ago returning to work.

"Things are now beginning to settle down, to be able to get out and about and socialise and start living our lives again."

"Check-ups, for both of us, are still on-going and will be for a long time."

As well as raising money they couple want to raise awareness of organ donation.

"I want England to follow Wales in introducing an opt-out rather than opt-in scheme. Having spent so much time in the transplant unit I have seen the big increase in the number of transplants since Wales started their scheme.

"I am living with one kidney very healthily. If I had a spare one, I would donate it to save someone else's life."

To help the Hills’ fundraising efforts, you can donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/n-hill1?utm_id=35