A Northern Ireland man has shared his personal journey of recovery after a life-saving kidney transplant from his sister.
Back in the summer of 2021, Lynn Shanks selflessly donated a kidney to give her brother Graeme Francey, 57, a new lease of life. The International Hockey Coach and INST School Coach was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in 2007 at the age of 39.
Graeme’s journey began when a routine GP visit detected high blood pressure, an unexpected finding for someone who considered himself extremely fit. Following blood tests, he was referred to the Ulster Hospital Renal Unit.
Within 15 minutes, he was told that he would need a kidney transplant within a year, which he says came as a huge shock.
He recalled: “Being diagnosed was a huge shock to me. I had no idea I had Chronic Kidney Disease. My kidney function was only 16%. At that time, I was hoping to go full-time into hockey coaching and had been shortlisted for international coaching jobs. Then I met Dr Smyth, Consultant Nephrologist in the Ulster Hospital and that changed my life.”
With medical therapy, Graeme was able to stabilise his kidney function for several years. As his function declined, the need for a transplant became inevitable. His sister, Lynn, proved to be a perfect match.
“As soon as I was diagnosed, my family immediately offered to get tested. Lynn being a perfect match was incredible and her willingness to donate was an act of kindness I can never repay,” he said.
On the day of the transplant, Graeme says his primary concern was for his sister: “I was more worried about Lynn than myself. I knew she was in good hands, and that was all that mattered to me.”
Now fully recovered, Graeme has returned to his passion for hockey coaching, feeling stronger and more energetic than before. He is sharing his personal journey ahead of World Kidney Day this Thursday, March 13 to raise awareness following his kidney transplant.
“For anyone considering organ donation, they should know they are changing someone’s life. I have been very lucky,” he added.
To promote kidney health, Specialty Doctor at the Ulster Hospital, Dr Richard McCrory emphasises early detection: “The focus of World Kidney Day 2025 is ‘Are Your Kidneys Ok?’ Symptoms of CKD may not appear until it has significantly progressed. Routine tests, such as urine dipstick or blood monitoring, can identify findings that are the essential first step in diagnosing CKD, preventing complications and improving quality of life.”
Dr McCrory says a history of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity increase the risk of developing CKD, but patients may develop CKD without any of these factors.
He added: “Managing your salt intake, your weight and blood pressure are key to reducing CKD risk and progression. The SGLT2 inhibitors, drugs originally designed to treat Diabetes, can significantly reduce the risk of CKD progression and the Ulster Hospital Renal Unit has played an active role in this research.”
He also highlighted the importance of smoking cessation, stating, “Smoking can accelerate CKD progression and we strongly encourage patients to quit.”
World Kidney Day reminds individuals to take charge of their kidney health, particularly if they have concurrent health conditions.
“Awareness and self- management are essential to reducing complications of kidney disease. People also need incentives at community, government and societal levels to support positive health behaviours” Dr McCrory stressed.
Graeme echoed this sentiment, encouraging those diagnosed with CKD to stay positive and take control of their health: “Focus on what you can control, diet, exercise and following medical advice. A transplant diagnosis is life-changing, but looking after your kidney health is vital.”
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