I remained positive and hopeful, despite becoming increasingly ill. Christmas was approaching and my kidney consultant told me I could no longer delay starting dialysis – a devastating blow.
Diagnosis, diabetes and decline
"I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12 and although I always tried to do all the things a normal teenager does, it was never easy. I was always in and out of hospital, sometimes dealing with life-threatening situations.
"At the age of 27, the devastation diabetes can inflict began to show. Within the space of a few months, I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy (which can damage eyesight), diabetic peripheral neuropathy (painful nerve damage), gastroparesis (nerve damage to the stomach) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage caused by diabetes).
"I faced everything positively, as I always do, determined not to let my illness hold me back. But I was often ill, and frequent hospital stays became the norm for me. I gave birth to my second child in 2011, and although my son was healthy, I was not. The pregnancy put additional pressure on my kidneys and triggered a dramatic decline in my kidney function.
"Worse news was to come. Two years later, the birth of our third child brought unimaginable grief as our baby did not survive. During this awful time, my medical team also told me I needed to be listed for a simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplant to save my life. As a family, we were at an all-time low.
"I was activated on the NHS transplant waiting list at the beginning of October 2014 and after 12 months of waiting, received a call from transplant co-ordinators at Newcastle upon Tyne's Freeman Hospital with the news that a potential pancreas and kidney had been donated. We immediately set off from our Carlisle home, but sadly, just 12 miles from Newcastle, I received another call to say the transplant was a 'no go' as the organs were unsuitable. We turned around and came home, with disappointment weighing heavily on our hearts.
"Three months passed and I remained positive and hopeful, despite becoming increasingly ill. Christmas was approaching and my kidney consultant told me I could no longer delay starting dialysis – a devastating blow."
Becky with her son Leo, and recently with her husband Jamie and sons Leo and Joshua
On Christmas morning, I was wheeled down to theatre and put to sleep by the anaesthetist. I woke up in the recovery room only to learn the operation hadn't gone ahead. I was heartbroken.
Waiting for a transplant
"Then, on Christmas Eve 2015, I received my second transplant call. I couldn't believe it – the call can come anytime, day or night. The roller coaster of emotions is like nothing I have ever experienced before: fear, excitement, guilt, sadness, happiness, relief and grief for the family who lost a loved one. I was so upset at leaving my children for Christmas, but it was my second chance and would mean many years of happy Christmases all together in the future.
"The donor and I appeared to be a perfect match, and further tests were carried out, including a final check to make sure I was well enough to go through a long and complex transplant surgery.
"On Christmas morning, I was wheeled down to theatre and put to sleep by the anaesthetist. I woke up in the recovery room only to learn the operation hadn't gone ahead. I was heartbroken.
"The transplant surgeon had found a problem with the pancreas and decided the transplant would do more harm than good. They wanted only the best organs for me, and while it was absolutely the right decision, the news was still soul-destroying.
"After a night on the critical care unit, I went home on Boxing Day and tried to enjoy the rest of Christmas. I was sore and emotional but determined to stay positive and look ahead. My transplant co-ordinator rang to see how I was and asked me to consider coming off the list for a couple of weeks to let my body and mind recover. I decided against it, as I just couldn't risk missing out on a call meant for me!
"It turned out to be a very lucky decision, as a few days later, I received another call, I never expected one so soon. Feeling calmer this time, and half expecting it not to go ahead, my partner, Jamie, and I set off, again, for the hospital."
In 2021, I met my donor Dylan's mum, Michelle, his sister Ellesse and his nephew, Jake, to say thank you in person. It was a very precious and emotional moment I will cherish forever.
A real transformation
"After six hours in theatre and three hours in recovery, the pancreas and kidney transplant was a success. After a week in intensive care, I moved to the transplant ward to begin my recovery and spent three weeks there before being allowed to recover at home. My new kidney was functioning perfectly, as was my new pancreas, too.
"After over 20 years of living with type 1 diabetes, I was free from the shackles of such a brutal disease! My kidney function was the same as a healthy person with two healthy kidneys and the toxic levels in my blood were being cleared naturally.
"I didn't realise just how sick I had been until I felt well again. The transformation in my body and quality of life was amazing! Before my transplant I struggled to run a bath! The opportunities for me now are endless and I just want to say 'YES' to every experience life has to offer. I am so thankful and lucky to be able to live life to the fullest."
"I decided to get my fitness back and became a member of the charity Transplant Sport, which has been an important part of my journey. Keeping fit and healthy by training and competing in athletics allows me to honour my donor, Dylan. It was always a dream to become a member of the GB & NI transplant team and that's now become a reality. In the past three years, I've represented GB at the World Transplant Games and European Transplant Games in Portugal and Australia, with success in all my competitions.
"In 2021, I met my donor Dylan's mum, Michelle, his sister Ellesse and his nephew, Jake, to say thank you in person. It was a very precious and emotional moment I will cherish forever and I was always thank them for saving my life and giving me a future with my family. I took all the medals I'd won in transplant sport and gave them to Dylan's mum. I wanted to make him and his family proud and do the very best I can to honour him and look after the precious gifts he gave me."
The World Transplant Games are about more than medals. They show the world what's possible after a transplant.
The World Transplant Games 2025
"When I look back over the past year, I can hardly believe the journey I've been on! Preparing for the World Transplant Games 2025 was a dream that kept me focused, but to actually compete, stand on the track alongside other inspirational transplant athletes from around the world, and to bring home medals still feels surreal!
"Earlier in summer 2025, at the British Transplant Games, I was proud to achieve three golds and a silver which gave me the confidence to push forward on the world stage. At the World Transplant Games 2025, I gave everything I had and was thrilled to win gold in the long jump and to be part of the team that took gold in the 4 x 100m relay. I also secured a silver in the 200m and bronze in the 100m.
"Every race felt like a celebration of life, resilience, and the gift I was given through my transplant. These medals are so much more than results; they represent the incredible generosity of my donor, Dylan, and his family. Their selfless decision gave me the chance not only to live, but to thrive. I carry their gift with me in every stride, every jump, and every moment I get to spend with my loved ones. My gratitude to them is endless. I also want to thank Kidney Care UK whose support has been invaluable. They don't just champion people like me; they remind us that we are never alone. Their encouragement, alongside the unwavering support of my family, friends, coach, and the transplant community, gave me the belief that this was possible."
"The World Transplant Games are about more than medals. They show the world what's possible after a transplant. They inspire those who are waiting, who may be struggling through dialysis or recovery, to see that there is hope on the other side. I met athletes who have overcome incredible challenges to compete, people of all ages and abilities, united by the shared miracle of transplantation.
"That spirit, that determination, is what makes these Games so special! I say to anyone who is living with kidney disease or waiting for a transplant: please, know you are not alone, and you are stronger than you think. Your story is still being written, and there are chapters ahead filled with possibility.
"As I reflect on my journey, my heart is full of gratitude, pride, and a determination to keep giving back. Every medal is dedicated to my donor and his family, and to all those still waiting. I'll continue to run, jump, and share my story, hoping it can light the way for others."
This story was first featured in Kidney Matters issue 29 and Kidney Matters issue 31.