Loneliness Awareness Week 2024

The theme for this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week is ‘Random Acts of Connection’ and there are few better examples of this than donating an organ to a stranger. 

And that’s exactly what Jane Bull did when she was 78-years-old. 

Jane, who takes part in our Pilates and yoga online activity groups in West Yorkshire, saw an NHS Facebook advert asking people to consider donating a kidney. She replied, and soon found herself having a scan to make sure she was healthy enough to take part in the scheme. 

“I just saw it as a win-win situation,” said Jane, now 84. “If they found I had a health problem they could do something about it and if they didn’t, I would be helping someone. 

“I came through the checks with flying colours so I was booked into St. James’ Hospital in Leeds, had the operation, stayed overnight and went home the next day. There was no pain and I felt okay. 

“A year later I received a thank you letter through the hospital from the recipient, who was a man in his 60s. He had been on dialysis for a long time and was barely able to walk. After the operation he said he could take the dog out and do some gardening.

“I don’t know who he is but I’m just happy that there is now another soul on the planet who is able to enjoy life. That’s all that matters.

“When I agreed to the operation I was quite prepared not to come through. I’ve had a good life so there’s nothing to complain about.”

Jane, who was a nurse for 44 years, added: “I never realised before that you can survive with just one kidney – although I should have considering my job. I’ve been fine since the operation. I’m still enjoying life, especially the online classes which are fabulous.”