Staffordshire Police Federation chair Lee Robinson hopes that National Board member Leigh Godfrey opening up about his experience of donating a kidney to save his dad’s life will help others.
Lee described Leigh’s story as “inspiring and motivating” and hopes it will break down barriers for others and help them to discuss their issues.
He said: “It’s incredibly courageous of Leigh to share his experience. I can’t imagine what it feels like to be able to save a life and give a person another chance – let alone it being your own dad.
“It’s such an inspiring and motivating story that I hope supports people to discuss their issues. Men are less likely to talk to a professional about their health, so if this can help one person then I’m sure Leigh will feel it’s been worth it.
Leigh, National Board post incident lead and Region 7 representative, wrote about his experience in a blog on the Police Federation website.
He said: “Due to health issues centred around diabetes, my father had renal failure and needed an urgent kidney transplant – he had insufficient time to be put on the transplant list and wait.
“Enter me from stage right, and despite massive protest, reservations and objections from my father, he eventually conceded and allowed me to donate a kidney.
“Ten years later and a kidney lighter, my father’s (my) kidney is still performing well.”
He hopes that by telling his story - especially during Men's Health Week - it will encourage officers to open up about the issues that may be affecting them.
Leigh said: “If anyone else is in a situation where they could be a live donor for someone, I’m more than happy to discuss in further detail. For me it was absolutely worth it.
“Had I known before what I knew now, if it were possible, I would absolutely donate my kidney to anyone. After all what is better than giving someone the gift of life?”
