Patient Stories
Nicky's Story
Nicky sustained extensive burns to his hands and face when he was electrocuted at work. He needed to be covered immediately with donated skin to help the healing process begin, and preserve as much of his own skin as possible. He says, "I cannot express the amount of gratitude I have for the families who made it possible for me to receive the donated skin, it has helped me to return to a normal life."
Chris's Story
Chris, a keen sportsman, collided with a tree whilst snow boarding. His ligaments in his left knee were severely torn and he needed surgery to repair the damage. His surgeon used a donated tendon to replace the ligament, so he could return to his beloved sports as soon as possible. Within six months Chris was back playing tennis and he was snow bording the next year.
"I know that the transplant was not life-saving but my sport means a great deal to me. It is the difference between living and loving life. My knee feels stronger today than before the accident and I am lucky to have been given the opportunity to have this surgery."
Trish's Story
Trish Hylton was forced to abandon her job as an operating theatre nurse when a rare eye condition threatened her sight. Now, thanks to a corneal transplant, she’s seeing clearly again. "I was working in an operating theatre, using delicate micro-instruments, and it began to affect my ability to do the job," says Trish. She was told that she needed a corneal graft, in other words a new cornea grafted onto her left eye. The cornea would be provided from a donor whose family had given permission for this tissue to be donated after his or her death.
The operation went ahead. "When I woke up I wasn’t even sure where I was," remembers Trish." Yet the day after the dressing came off I could see again and could do things like walking down the stairs without thinking I was going to fall. I’m just so grateful to the person that gave me back, not only my sight, but my life,"