Local Hero's Life Changing Gift Honoured

Colin Cramp donated a kidney to a fellow parishioner

Chiswick resident Colin Cramp was amongst a group of local heroes celebrated at an award ceremony which recognised the difference they have made to another's life.

Colin donated his kidney to Patsy Richardson, (51) a member of his church, St Paul's Hammersmith.

Patsy said: “I was born with a genetic kidney disease with no cure. For me, this meant being kept alive on dialysis. I have been given a second chance and a new life. All of this is because of one extraordinary man, Colin Cramp.”

Colin received his award from the Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Cllr Mercy Umeh

Colin told chiswickw4.com that he met Patsy when she joined his church and was put into his life group three years ago.

"It was during one of our weekly meetings that Patsy happened to say she was desperate to find a kidney donor and I blurted out “I’d give you one of mine if I could.” I can only put my comment down to my Christian faith as Christ himself said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Giving my kidney didn’t cost me my life but it has certainly given life to Patsy when before, she was only just existing from day to day."

There followed a number of tests to see if their blood and tissue would be a match.

"The doctors told us our match was equivalent to that of a son or daughter had Patsy had children! The doctors also showed me my xray/CT scan which showed just one artery going to each kidney from the main aorta running through my chest. They commented the operation would be easy as some people have multiple arteries making things more complicated."

Colin was in hospital for a week and recovering at home for a further two weeks. He works in the church accounts office.

"The response from family and friends has been incredibly positive and even more so when they see I am playing tennis again and can carry the shopping up three flights of stairs to our flat on Chiswick High Road! Patsy remains a special friend to both my wife and I. It’s great to see her enjoying life to the full.

"It’s a pity we only have two kidneys. I would do it all again if I could!

Colin said: “For me, community is all about inclusiveness.”

At the event, held by Shepherds Bush Housing Group (SBHG), the Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham Cllr Mercy Umeh, presented each Love Local Hero with their Award. The Mayor said: “It is wonderful to celebrate our local unsung heroes and hear all their inspiring stories. I thank SBHG for this opportunity to recognise what others are doing in our local community.”

The Awards judge and SBHA chair Russell Caller said: “At a time when our society has so many divisions it is a joy to celebrate all the men and women of west London who have "gone the extra mile" to make the lives of others better and show how important our community is to all of us.”

One of the Award judges, Catherine Perez Philips from Hammersmith and Fulham Volunteer Centre said: "All of the Local Heroes exhibited special qualities, including our winners; Zainab Reddy for her long term commitment to volunteering for her local school, Colin Cramp’s exceptional gift, and Bruce Marquart who founded City Harvest to help thousands who experience food poverty. Their contribution is vital to the health and wellbeing of our local communities. They provide the social glue that makes our community such a great place to live."
Award winner, Zainab Reddy, who volunteers for Beanstalk said: “I will treasure this award for a lifetime. I dedicate it to my parents and four daughters. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

The SBHG Love Local Heroes Awards were held by Shepherds Bush Housing Group (SBHG) at Craft Court.

July 6, 2016