John Connell is a very fit 65-year-old Irishman who had a hugely successful kidney transplant im 2011. He continues to hold down a very busy career as an IT consultant, while cycling with two club teams, and of course the Irish Transplant Team. John is a keen advocate of organ donation and fully supports the work of the LKB foundation in bringing public awareness to this issue. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and the world.

Calvin Allardice is one of the reasons we agreed to label The Local Kettle Brothers Foundation A Symbol Of Hope. A message from LKB to Calvin, You gave our brother hope. At the time when the door was closed, you stepped up in wanting to donate. You wanted to save a life. Even though you tried your best, unfortunately you was not a match. However it did not end there. You supported LKB as it’s your own & kept in touch constantly. The door never ended there. Our founder was given a second chance to a healthy life at a few weeks later. Calvin, You are a true gentleman, one who wanted to help instantly from the get go. In a lifetime, you don’t come across people like him. Calvin is a symbol of hope. The foundation is a symbol of that. The determination in being a light to someone’s darkness is something we are truly thankful for. Calvin Allardice sat through many hours of dialysis sessions with our Founder. We are fortunate to call you our brother.

In 2019 Hayley donated her kidney to her father who had end stage kidney disease and was put on kidney dialysis. Hayley’s father’s kidney function deteriorated over many years but he did not want to accept a kidney transplant from his children so did not tell anyone. Hayley had to do the tests in secret. Once given the all clear to go ahead with the operation she then told her father who reluctantly agreed to the operation which went on to save his life. Since the transplant, Hayley’s father’s health has drastically improved, he no longer needs dialysis and Hayley also says she is feeling great after the operation. Hayley is now on a mission to spread awareness about kidney disease and hopes to encourage more people to come forward to be living Kidney donors. Hayley is currently an ambassador for many Chronic Kidney Disease charities & foundations, including the Gift Of Living Donation & is actively involved in raising awareness towards Chronic Kidney Disease. Kidney failure is up to five times more common in people from minority ethnic groups. It’s not yet fully understood why minority ethnic groups are more at risk of kidney disease but it could be due in part to high rates of diabetes and high blood pressure in these racial groups, as these are the most common causes of kidney failure. Asian people with diabetes are ten times more likely to suffer from kidney failure compared to white people with diabetes. People from minority ethnic groups are more likely to need a kidney transplant, but less likely to receive one due to a shortage of donors.

Zion- also known as Ziggy, is a close friend to Cole, a leading member of the Local Kettle Brothers organisation. Zion rarely talks about his condition, and we are honoured to have him share his story, in light that it may have hope to others suffering in silence. Zion was born with Sickle Cell Anemia and has been in & out of hospital predominantly all his life. Sickle Cell is a condition that affects the shape of red blood cells which carry oxygen to all parts of the body. At the tender age of 11, Zion started his blood transfusions which had a huge effect on his childhood & education, which he kept to himself for many years. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of blood disorders typically inherited. The most common type is known as sickle cell anaemia. Anton Dawkins played a huge part in being a support system for Zion, helping to boost his self esteem as his confidence was destroyed due to SCD. Zion health has now improved over the years due to his transfusions. With the help and support of his loved ones, Zion was able to rebuild his confidence and learned to manage his condition. He is now a successful driving instructor, helping others to build their confidence on the road. I’m a an interview with Zion’s mentions “Being apart of this foundation allows me to spread awareness for people to give blood and support anyone with sickle cell by letting them know they can still overcome there condition”.