Annaclone man ‘fitter than ever’ after kidney transplant

​51-year-old Darren McAvoy was given the ultimate gift of life in September last year, 15 years after being being diagnosed with low kidney function.

The father-of-three became aware of his condition in the summer of 2008.

He began suffering from aggressive headaches and, when they became more persistent, Darren booked a blood test with his local GP.

Darren’s wife Brenda recalled a feeling of unease in the early days of his diagnosis.

She said: "The doctor very quickly made us aware that Darren was suffering from a kidney-related issue.

“We were referred to Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry, where we received the dreaded news that Darren would need a kidney transplant within the next five years.

"It came as a real shock and was a very scary time, particularly with three young children at home.”

But this news did not deter Darren from leading an active life, in fact, he became an avid runner, something which medical professionals believe contributed to the swift recovery in the aftermath of his transplant.

During the years between 2008-2022, Darren attended consultations and examinations, each time being assured his kidney was stable.

In September 2022, however, Darren was alerted to a drop in his kidney function and was referred to Belfast City Hospital to receive care from the dedicated transplant team.

It became evident Darren would require a kidney transplant, and while he was still in good health, the family was advised to start discussing options with loved ones.

Brenda said it was a conversation they had both been dreading.

"The whole thing happened so quickly, we didn’t have much time for it to sink in.

"Darren is a very private person, and the thought of asking family members to get tested was something he wasn’t comfortable with.”

Brenda put herself forward to be tested but, unfortunately, was not a strong enough match. One of Darren’s brothers also went through the testing process, but the result was not in his favour.

Also among those to go forward was Darren’s sister Marina. Remarkably, in June 2022, three weeks after being tested, she received the news that her kidney ticked all of the right boxes and was deemed a perfect match.

Despite feeling anxious about the process, Marina had no hesitations in wanting to give her brother a fresh chance at life.

Darren’s wife Brenda has paid tribute to the staff at Belfast City Hospital for putting Marina at ease and providing unwavering support to the McAvoy family.

She has also thanked her sister-in-law Marina for giving Darren his life back.

Now back to work and pounding the pavements alongside his running mates, Darren has made a full recovery and is feeling “the best he has felt for years”, according to wife Brenda.

Darren’s health continues to flourish, and this weekend he is set to take on his biggest challenge post-transplant yet – a half marathon.

The family are also planning a fundraiser to repay the hospitals who looked after Darren and Marina, and are urging the public to take a test and consider giving the ultimate gift of life.