Wife gifts husband the most precious Valentine's gift - a new kidney
13 February 2026
Claire and Glyn Davies will be celebrating a very special Valentine's Day this weekend, as it marks the first anniversary of Claire giving her husband the most precious of gifts - a new kidney.
One year ago today the couple, both 63, underwent surgery at the Northern General Hospital to transplant Claire's kidney to Glyn, giving him a new lease of life.
"It was the best Valentine's Day present you could ever have", said Glyn.
Claire said: "I did it for Glyn and I did it for myself, because it has given us both our lives back. It was horrible to see Glyn so poorly, it really affected our lives. It is incredible to see the difference the transplant has made."
In 2023, Glyn was diagnosed with ANCA vasculitis - an autoimmune condition that can lead to kidney failure. After suffering with extreme fatigue and fever like symptoms, a trip to A&E ended up with a three month hospital stay and 12 months on dialysis due to dangerously low kidney function.
In August 20204 the couple got married and a day later, Glyn went on the transplant list.
Claire asked if there was a possibility that she could donate her kidney, and after going through rigorous tests she was found to be a suitable match. The transplant went ahead successfully on February 13th 2025.
Claire said: "The testing was on my late mum's birthday, which I took as a good sign. When I got the results to say I could do it, I was shocked but excited, I wasn't scared.
"On Valentine's Day last year, just a few hours after the operation, Glyn looked totally different – his eyes were brighter, he had more colour, and he looked like the person I knew before."
Glyn, who continued to work three days a week as a civil engineer while on dialysis, said: "I started off very tired and sluggish while having dialysis, but after I had my transplant the difference in my energy levels was unbelievable.”
As well as travelling and seeing their children and grandchildren, Glyn has been able to return to playing golf and will compete for team Sheffield in this year's British Transplant Games, which are taking place in the city from 6-9 August. The games are open to all transplant recipients and donors, regardless of experience or ability, and registrations are now open.
Claire will take part in the donor walk with Living Donor Coordinator Caroline Basarab-Horwath, who supported the couple through the process.
Claire said: "The team at the Northern General were absolutely amazing, the treatment was second to none, it was like you were family. Without them I don't know how we would have coped."
