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“You have my heart, hopefully, you can have my kidney too."

Stewart Honeywill, 57-year-old from Epsom, Surrey is preparing to donate one of his kidneys to his wife, Justine.

"My wife Justine has a hereditary Chronic Kidney Disease called Polycystic Kidney Disease —PKD for short. She was diagnosed with PKD at the age of 13 and she is now 55.” Stewart shares.

Justine has been no stranger to PKD. Her father died of it at the age of 61 in 1991, after two failed kidney transplants. Her uncle passed away at 42, and her grandfather at 38. She also lost her sister to it six years ago at the age of 52.

For many years, Justine believed she would not live past the age of 60 due to the hereditary nature of the disease. However, with her current kidney function at only 12%, the best option for extending her life is a live kidney donation.

Stewart recalls how he met Justine, "We met at work in 2007, both having been married before. She had no children, and I had three teenagers. Our relationship grew, and we eventually married in October 2013. Ten years later, after joining her on many consultations, her kidney function had dropped to a point where it was time for action."

Despite reaching out to friends and family to consider donation, circumstances prevented them from being in a position to help. "I decided that, of course, I would." Stewart continued, "I love my wife and want to give her life. I am currently in the process of preparing to donate one of my kidneys to her."

The couple have been undergoing numerous tests, including blood group matching, tissue matching, and other eligibility assessments at St. Helier Hospital in conjunction with St. George’s Tooting. "We are almost there, awaiting one of Justine’s tests and a liver test for me, as I have a low platelet count. Fingers crossed." Stewart adds hopefully. "All being well, we hope to proceed in the autumn."

Stewart's Valentine's card to Justine this year poignantly captured their journey; "You have my heart, hopefully, you can have my kidney too."

Stewart's drive to raise awareness and support for the National Kidney Federation is fuelled by their deeply personal connection to the cause. He said; "We met, and I’m a match for her. We were strangers in our 40s following our first marriage breakups. Is it fate? Luck? Or love that made us so compatible?"

In support of Justine and her family affected by PKD, Stewart recently fundraised and raised £180, exceeding his £150 target, in support of the National Kidney Federation charity taking on a sponsored walk, 70,951 steps to support the 70,951 people in the UK being treated for kidney failure.

As Stewart and Justine prepare for the life-changing surgery, their story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of love and the importance of kidney donation. They hope to inspire others to consider becoming donors and to support kidney-related charities like the National Kidney Federation.