Will a life-changing Christmas wish come true for Holly? (From This Is Cheshire)

Will a life-changing Christmas wish come true for Holly?

9:00am Monday 25th December 2006 in News By Sarah Harker

WHILE many of us will have the latest mobile phone or games console on the top of our Christmas list, Holly Shaw is asking for the greatest gift of all: a life-transforming kidney transplant.

The 19-year-old, who needs dialysis three times a week, has been on the waiting list for a new kidney for 16 months.

Two years ago she was told she had kidney failure and immediately had to adapt to a new way of life.

Each week she attends Warrington Hospital three times to receive life-saving dialysis and will continue to do so for the rest of her life until she receives a transplant.

But the Chester University student, who lives in Westbrook, remains upbeat.

She said: "I could get that phone call tonight, next week or in 10 years time - it's just a waiting game. Until then I'll continue with the dialysis.

"Although it interrupts my life, it's necessary.

"It was a big shock when I was told I had kidney failure - it hadn't crossed my mind.

"I'd been fine and then suddenly started being sick and couldn't keep anything down. I just thought it was just a virus."

When doctors broke the news that she had kidney failure, both her parents were tested for a transplant but didn't match.

She said: "They were upset because they wanted to help me. I have an older brother but I don't want him to be tested - he's getting married and it would upset me if he tested positive.

"I'm on the waiting list for a donor so it's just a matter of carrying on until something comes up.

"Because of the dialysis I find it hard to concentrate and have low energy levels.

"If I could have one wish this Christmas it would be to have my health and freedom back.

"The only possibility of this is if I receive a donor kidney, which would be the greatest gift I could get."

Holly recently featured in a video released by the Live Life Then Give Life Campaign to raise awareness of the shortage of registered organ donors in the UK.

To sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register, visit uktransplant.org.uk or call 0845 6060400. For more information on the Live Life Then Give Life Campaign, visit livelifethengive life.co.uk