Susan Baldwin urges people to become donors

Susan Baldwin, an e-rostering training and support officer from University Hospitals Tees, donated a kidney to Will Postgate, the son of her colleague, after learning about his battle with Alport syndrome.

Mr Postgate received the transplant in 2022, allowing him to return to normal life, work full-time and even travel. But three and a half years on, the kidney is starting to fail, and he is now on dialysis and needing a new kidney.

Ms Baldwin said: “From joining the team in 2019, Gill (Will’s mum) was very open about Will’s condition and explained that he would eventually deteriorate and need a kidney transplant.

“Hearing what her family was going through was heartbreaking.

“Will is only a year older than my own son and has his whole life ahead of him.”

Although she wasn’t previously registered as an organ donor, hearing Mr Postgate’s story motivated her to act.

Ms Baldwin said: “I wasn’t already registered for organ donation but after hearing Will’s story, I knew I wanted to help.

“Finding out I was a match was a real roller coaster of emotions.

“The renal team at The James Cook University Hospital were amazing from start to finish.

“They made me aware of all options and ensured I was happy with my decision.”

She was identified as a match in February 2021, but initial tests meant she couldn’t proceed.

A few months later, she was cleared for surgery, and the kidney transplant went ahead on February 2, 2022.

Ms Baldwin said: “When I was initially given the news that I had failed one of my tests, I was gutted and that was when I knew that this was the right decision for me.

“Following the transplant, I was back at work after just six and a half weeks and thanks to the amazing teams at James Cook, I recovered really well.

“I am so grateful to have met Gill and to have been part of Will’s journey.”

Now that Mr Postgate needs another transplant, Ms Baldwin is speaking out to encourage others to consider becoming living donors.

She said: “Nobody knows what is around the corner and you never know if you or a loved one will need this help.

“You don’t have to be a family relation to put yourself forward – you can change a stranger’s life by registering to become a living donor today.”

She also encouraged people considering donation to discuss it with those around them.

Ms Baldwin said: “If this is something you might be considering, speak to your family and friends first to let them know of your wishes.

“They will be the ones who can offer that much-needed support as you embark on this life-changing journey.”

Joanne Ashton, a renal nurse specialist from University Hospitals Tees who supported Ms Baldwin through the process, said: “There are over 7,000 people on the transplant waiting list who are relying on the selflessness and compassion of people like Susan to change their life.

“While many of us have two kidneys, some of us only need one to lead a healthy life.”

Ms Ashton encouraged the public to consider organ donation as a way to make a difference.

She said: “As we go into 2026 and everyone is thinking of ways to be healthier, I would encourage them to think about giving health to someone else, whether that be a relative, friend or even a stranger.

“Signing up to the organ donation register is quick and simple and could help save someone’s life.”

To find out more about living kidney donation, visit the Robert Dangoor Partnership website at www.donateakidney.co.uk.