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Six months ago, transport driver Darren Clay donated his kidney to his wife and childhood sweetheart, Allison. Allison’s transplant was the 5,000th kidney transplant performed at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB).  

Allison, who has previously worked as a healthcare assistant and carer, and Darren, from Telford, are both recovering well at home following their major operations. 

Allison first became ill in 2009. Upon returning from a holiday abroad, she noticed a mosquito bite had turned into a rash. She visited her GP but there were no major concerns about her health. Two years later, following further appointments, Allison was referred to her local renal clinic. There she was diagnosed with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) Iga nephropathy, a condition that causes damage to kidney tissues. She was also told she had stage 3 chronic kidney disease. After receiving these diagnoses, Darren immediately asked her consultant if he could donate his kidney to Allison. At that point, it was too early to determine whether Allison would need a transplant. 

Fast forward 10 years and a kidney transplant was the best option for Allison. Darren was found to be a match but needed to lose weight to bring his BMI down to make the procedure safe. Darren lost four stone, but plans for the transplant were delayed when Darren was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, a heart condition that can cause a very fast heartbeat. Darren had a successful cardiac ablation at QEHB in May 2025, allowing the transplant to go ahead a few months later.  

Allison’s kidney transplant – which was the 5,000th to be performed at QEHB since kidney transplantation began at the hospital in 1976 – was a success.  

Allison said: “As our operations approached, I felt so emotional about it but Darren never thought twice about it. It’s such a selfless act and he did it without hesitation. I feel like the luckiest person to have such a loving husband. 

“The whole process from start to finish was amazing, we can’t thank the staff involved enough. Sheryl Parsons from the live donor team was in contact every step of the way and made the whole process stress free. Once we were at the hospital, the surgeons, doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants who looked after us were brilliant. The care post-surgery has been fantastic too. 

“I couldn't believe how well I felt within a few days of surgery, my new kidney seems to be doing well and everything is going in the right direction. We've both had a few little issues since the operation – I've developed tremors in my hands and legs, but my doctor has assured me it should settle down eventually, and Darren is back to full health”. 

Mr Dilan Dabare, Consultant Renal Transplant Surgeon at UHB, was Allison’s surgeon. Mr Dabare said: “Allison’s operation was a success, and I am so pleased that she and Darren are both doing well.  

“Learning that this was the 5,000th transplant was amazing. I’m proud to be just one part of a hard-working team that improves and saves lives, and I look forward to collectively helping many more people in need of a transplant.”