A resident of Motherwell, Scotland, is making a heartfelt appeal this Christmas for a kidney donor to help save her life. Laura Hayman, 29, has been battling kidney failure since 2017, when she first began experiencing severe health issues. Following her diagnosis, she underwent dialysis and received a kidney transplant from her father, Paul Hayman, later that same year. Unfortunately, after becoming pregnant with her son, Hugo, her transplanted kidney began to deteriorate.
By 2023, Laura found herself back on dialysis five times a week, relying on a machine to sustain her life. Without this treatment, she could face dire consequences within days. The urgency of her situation is compounded by the challenge of finding a suitable organ donor, as her rare blood type, O+, limits her options significantly.
“I’ve spent three years attached to a machine, counting every minute, waiting for the call for a transplant,” Laura shared. “I am desperate because my son is my whole world, and I want to see him grow up.”
Laura’s health has deteriorated to the point where she has lost over three stone and suffers from debilitating migraines that can leave her bedridden for hours. Her condition has forced her to rely on her partner, who manages the household while also caring for Hugo and working full-time.
“I feel like I am here in body but not in mind,” Laura expressed. “I am weak, tired, and in pain all the time. My body is giving up.”
Doctors have not provided a prognosis, but Laura is acutely aware that dialysis is not a permanent solution. According to Kidney Research UK, nearly 7,000 people are currently on the waiting list for a kidney transplant in the UK, highlighting the critical need for organ donation.
In light of her circumstances, Laura is urging others to consider joining the organ donor list. “A transplant would give so many people hope,” she said. “Organ donation is life-changing, and I will be forever grateful to anyone willing to make that sacrifice.”
The simplest way to register as an organ donor is through the NHS Organ Donor Register, a quick process that can be completed in minutes. It is vital for individuals to communicate their decision to family and friends, ensuring their wishes are honored.
As Christmas approaches, Laura’s plea resonates with the urgency of life and the impact of organ donation on families. With the hope of receiving a new kidney, she continues to fight for her life, inspired by the love for her son and the desire to be there for him as he grows.
For those interested in registering as an organ donor or checking their registration status, the NHS Organ Donor Register helpline can be reached at 0300 123 23 23. Every decision can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals like Laura, who are in desperate need of a second chance.
