A woman kidney donor and her recipient friend ran together to raise funds for a transplant unit just three months after the operation.

Jan Munns and Liz Heyburn, from Tadworth, took part in the Adidas 5k run in London earlier this month to raise money for the South West Thames Renal and Transplant Unit, based at St Helier Hospital in Sutton.

Mrs Munns had suffered from polycystic kidney disease for a number of years, which means that cysts grew on her kidneys and prevented them from working properly. Last year, as her condition got worse, she was told she would need a kidney transplant.

She said: “I was going to my first appointment at St Helier and I instinctively knew it was going to be bad news, so I asked Liz to come along for moral support. They told me that I would need a kidney transplant within 12 months.”

Mrs Heyburn then stepped forward to see if she could be a match for Jan and donate one of her kidneys to her close friend. Mrs Munns said: “I was gobsmacked that she wanted to do it, but terrified at the same time.”

Following a series of tests, it was confirmed Liz was a match for Jan and the two went in for their operation at the end of June. The operation was a success and shortly after the procedure, both women were back on their feet.

The pair took part in the Adidas Women’s 5k race to give something back to the renal service and managed to raise £730, with more to come.

Dr James Marsh, the trust’s clinical director for renal services, said: “I am so pleased with the progress that both Jan and Liz have made and we are delighted that they decided to run to raise much-needed funds for the research unit at St Helier Hospital.

“Liz and Jan’s story is really amazing. However, not everyone is as lucky. Therefore, it is important that people consider donating their organs and join the NHS Organ Register – it’s very easy and can help change people’s lives forever.”

For more information about the trust’s renal service visit epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/renal.

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