Melksham organ donor continues helping those in need

A man from Melksham, who donated his kidney to save his friend’s life, is undertaking more challenges to help people in need.

Tim Swinburn underwent a kidney transplant in September to save his friend, Clare Brixey, who was on dialysis, after a kidney transplant she had several years ago was failing. Since the surgery, both Tim and Clare have recovered well and they are now focussing on how to help other people.

On Christmas Day, Tim, who is a support worker for the Salvation Army, will ‘Walk to Work for Christmas.’ He plans to walk 24 miles from his home in Melksham to Booth House in Swindon, where he provides housing and support to people experiencing homelessness. He is raising funds to improve opportunities for the people he supports.

Then in February, Tim is planning a sponsored walk from Southmead Hospital in Bristol to Booth House, Swindon, to raise funds for dialysis machines at the renal unit where he and Clare had surgery.

Explaining how he made the decision to help Clare, Tim said, “Clare had a kidney from someone who had passed but unfortunately, she then had cancer, and they think the treatment for that cancer damaged that kidney. That was about two years ago now.

“When she told me what was going on with her health, it was a no-brainer; I just wanted to help. We went through 18 months to tests to check we were compatible; we obviously were, and the operation took place in September.”

Tim met Clare 21 years ago, when he was working as a family liaison officer for Wiltshire Police. Tim was responsible for informing Clare that her son, Ashley, had died aged 21 in a car crash.

He said that donating his kidney to Clare was his moment to make a difference to someone’s life.

He said, “Claire is one of those people in life that deserves to live because of what she gives back, so it was a no brainer. If I can do it to keep her alive, then I just had to go for it.”

Following the operation, Tim spent four weeks recovering before heading back to work. Clare is now back to enjoying the things she loves, including riding her horse.

“She can also multitask now, whereas before, she would be struggling to do one task a day. Even cooking a meal for her family was difficult,” explained Tim.

He said, “I would not in any way discourage anyone giving any organs to save someone else’s life. Life is precious but if there are people out there who feel they have got it in them to give a kidney to save someone’s life, please, please do it. To see Clare today is amazing.

“I knew the recipient of my kidney but if you are fit, healthy and feel you can give a kidney to keep someone alive then please do. There is a real need for living donors at the moment.

“To hear that Clare’s kidney operated at 5% prior to donation and now is at 64% is just mind blowing. She is absolutely amazing.”

To support Tim’s Walk to Work for Christmas, visit www.justgiving.com/page/boothhouseswindon