Bolton: Selfless woman to donate kidney to best friend

When Nathalie Grubczynska, 39, from Over Hulton, had kidney failure at the age of 28 and she had to have a transplant, which was successful for nine years.

But when her kidney started to fail, Nathalie was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy disease 14 months ago and she was in need of a new transplant.

IgA nephropathy means that Nathalie’s body rejected her kidney.

Two of her best friends then got tested and Joanne Fielding, 38, was a “perfect match”.

Nathalie said: “Joanne is excited, but I’m really scared.

“It’s absolutely unreal.

• ALSO READ: How Bolton dad's life was transformed by kidney transplant

“She’s a diamond and I’m so grateful to her and I will always be grateful.

Nathalie in hospital on dialysis (Image: Public)

“She’s saving my life and I’m lucky she’s a match.

“I just want to thank her for it.

“I never used to believe in fate, I didn’t believe in anything.

“But since my mum died and this happened my mindset has changed.”

• ALSO READ: Bolton transplant recipient hosts patient experience focus group

Nathalie is currently undergoing dialysis, which she says leaves her in agony towards the end of her session where she suffers from headaches and a lot of pain.

The transplant means that Nathalie will not need to continue dialysis anymore and will be able to drink more than 1.5 litres of juice a day, whereas she is restricted to this limit at the moment.

She said: “I have been on dialysis since December last year and I go three times a week.

“It makes me really poorly.

From left to right: Nathalie and Joanne (Image: Public)

“I am in agony towards the end because they are draining fluids from the blood.

“I cry all the time on dialysis.

“It just gives you a really low mood.”

Nathalie says that when she found out that she needed a transplant again she was “absolutely shocked”.

Best friends Nathalie and Joanne have been inseparable ever since they were at St James's Church of England High School in Farnworth together.

• ALSO READ: She had a kidney transplant aged 7. Now she's an international star.

Nathalie says she wants more people to sign up as donors because of the life-changing impact this could have on someone with kidney failure.

She said: “Having a live donor means there is more chance of the transplant lasting longer.

“I would ask everyone to get on the donor list because it could save someone’s life.

“Unless you go through it you don’t know about these things.

“I hope it goes to plan and works because it’s been awful.”

Joanne will be donating her kidney to Nathalie on June 16 of this year.

Nathalie will have to take a range of medication now, including immune supplements so that her body does not reject the kidney, as well as having a biopsy every four months.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.