Local Business Man Saves a Life by Donating a Kidney
Martin Blake, Director of Specsavers Opticas in Santa Ponça, came to the rescue of his brother-in-law in the UK and donated a kidney in March. His Brother-in-Law was seriously ill, receiving dialysis at the hospital for seven hours, five times a week whilst he waited for a donor and became weaker. The waiting list for kidneys in the UK is over four years and the doctors didn’t think he had that long to live.
Martin bravely put himself forward as a donor, after a transplant from his sister was not successful and following months of tests and counselling he donated his kidney on 30th March. Since the transplant his brother-in-law is responding very well, feeling better immediately after the operation, and is in the top 10 performing of all recipients. Martin is also recovering from the procedure back home in Mallorca.
Martin commented: 'It was amazing to be able to save a life by becoming an organ donor and seeing the difference it has made to my brother-in-law’s life has been wonderful. However, we’re aware that on average a kidney transplant only lasts 10-15 years and then this cycle could start again if new treatments or cures haven’t been discovered. This is why I am now raising money to fund the research which will hopefully find the cure and stop the misery of dialysis, and waiting for a donor.'
To start his fundraising campaign Martin is holding an event at Specsavers Opticas in Santa Ponça on 27 June. There will be refreshments, live music from Bossa band Yemanja and healthy smoothies in return for a donation. To make guests look and feel great, Carlos Martin Peluquero will be running makeup workshops and the Specsavers team will be offering glasses styling and an opportunity to enter the Spectacle Wearer of the Year Awards. There will also be a Prize Draw to win a weekend stay at a holiday apartment in Puerto Pollenca and representatives from ALCER will be offering information and advice about kidney disease.
From June 27 until the end of July, the fundraising will continue in store. Specsavers are currently offering free eye tests so customers will be encouraged to donate to charity, with wristbands and pins available to buy in store. All funds collected will be split between Kidney Research UK and ALCER Spain.
Sandra Currie, Chief Executive of Kidney Research UK, said: 'We are incredibly grateful to Martin Blake and the Specsavers Opticas team for lending their support to Kidney Research UK in this way. Kidney disease can affect anyone at any age and without warning. It can’t currently be cured and is responsible for thousands of deaths every year – many of which could be prevented with better diagnosis and improved treatments.'
'Please get behind Specsavers Santa Ponça and help us fund research to save lives.'
Visit the store on Avda Rei Jaume 1, 117, Locales 14 y 15, Santa Ponça, 07180, Mallorca or call 871 964331 for more information. For more information about kidney disease and the work being carried out by Kidney Research UK, please visit: www.kidneyresearchuk.org to find out more about ALCER visit www.alcer.org.