Leitrim woman marks 35 years since life-saving kidney transplant

A Leitrim woman who received a kidney transplant 35 years ago says her donated organ is “still flying it” — and she’s using her story to remind others of the power of organ donation.

Cathriona Charles (54) from Mohill was just a teenager when she received her life-changing kidney transplant in July 1990. Three and a half decades later, her kidney is still functioning perfectly — a testament, she says, to the gift of life given by her donor family.

“It’s incredible to think this kidney has been working away for 35 years. I’ve had an amazing quality of life because of it,” said Cathriona, who volunteers with the Leitrim branch of the Irish Kidney Association (IKA). “You never forget the family who made that decision at such a heartbreaking time. Because of them, I’ve been able to live, work, travel and do everything I dreamed of.”

Cathriona was among the organisers and attendees at the Irish Kidney Association’s 40th Annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving, held on September 27th at the Church of the Holy Child in Whitehall, Dublin.

The event — which drew around 1,500 people from across Ireland and overseas — honoured organ donors and their families, while celebrating the renewed lives of transplant recipients.

President Michael D. Higgins, patron of the IKA, sent a message of support which was read aloud at the ceremony, paying tribute to the “great gift of organ donation, which has transformed and enriched so many lives.”

The service featured moving reflections, musical performances, and candlelight processions by donor families and transplant recipients — including young children who carried symbolic items to represent their journeys.

Among those taking part were retired transplant surgeon and former Dublin footballer David Hickey, who performed more than 1,500 transplants during his career, and Liz O’Sullivan, Chair of the IKA, who paid tribute to the generosity of donor families.

Cathriona, who helped organise this year’s event, said the Service continues to be a source of comfort and connection for those affected by organ donation:

“It’s emotional every year — you see families who’ve lost loved ones sitting beside people whose lives were saved by that generosity. It’s powerful, and it’s healing.”

Now, more than three decades on from her transplant, she hopes her story inspires others to carry organ donor cards and talk to their families about donation.

“You don’t need to be young or perfect to make a difference,” she said. “One donor can save or transform up to eight lives. It really is the greatest gift you can give.”

The 40th Service was recorded by Kairos Communications and will be broadcast on RTÉ One, RTÉ Radio 1 Extra, and RTÉ Player on Sunday, November 2nd at 11am.

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