A Gwynedd father has called for everyone “to have the conversation with their loved ones” about organ donation after gifting a kidney to his sick daughter.

Gareth Charlton from Dyffryn Ardudwy has just returned to work as a train conductor based in Pwllheli after giving his daughter Jennie a kidney in February.

Jennie, 20, was diagnosed with renal failure shortly before her 18th birthday in February 2017.

She was on dialysis for two years but a kidney donor could not be found for her and she had to put her A-level studies at college in Pwllheli on hold for two years.

“She spent about a month on Hebog ward in Ysbuty Gwynedd, including her birthday,” 44-year-old Gareth told the Cambrian News.

“She was on dialysis at home at first and then at Alltwen Renal unit in Porthmadog.

“Both myself and my wife Helen tested for compatibility, I was a better match.”

Gareth made the decision to donate a kidney, but delays meant months of waiting before the transplant could be completed.

“We were booked into theatre in June last year at first, this got put back to July due to how busy the hospital was, then Jennie wasn’t well enough to undergo surgery,” Gareth said.

“We were then given a date in early January but Jennie had a cold.

“A major part of the anti-rejection process is to suppress the immune system so obviously they want the patient as healthy as possible.

“Finally we went into hospital on 11 February and surgery was a success.”

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