Manchester: ‘My former work colleague gave me her kidney’

A man who made a desperate online plea for a kidney donor is now recuperating from a successful transplant after a former work colleague answered the call.

Jamie Lonsdale, 36, put the appeal out on Facebook and it was spotted by Lauren Lane, 30.

Mr Lonsdale, from Monton, Greater Manchester, spent more than two years on the transplant list after his previously donated kidney started failing in 2022.

“I was just expecting people to wish me well but to have Lauren come forward was just a dream come true,” he said

Dialysis four times a week and other complications had taken its toll before he begged for help.

“It was totally unexpected and a huge ask and I was pretty embarrassed about having to post on Facebook but I was just so desperate,” Mr Lonsdale said.

“It was quite a grim situation really. I wasn’t sure if I would get a call but felt like I had to do something.

“Lauren has made a big sacrifice. She was fit and well and I was at the end of life.”

Mr Lonsdale continued: “I have got my life back for another 20 years at least.”

Ms Lane, from Manchester, who is also recovering from the surgery, said: “We worked together for a few years and I went on to work for another company.

“I just saw the appeal and felt I needed to do something.”

The Phd student also said she had a personal reason for responding to the appeal.

“My dad passed away in 2018. He was on the transplant list for a liver but sadly he didn’t get it in time,” she said.

“I have been really lucky all of my friends and family understand my personal reasons for what I did.”