A WOMAN who underwent a kidney transplant 21 years ago is to abseil down the building where the operation took place.

Claire Downer will be amongst those climbing down the Brunel building at Southmead Hospital on Saturday, September 8.

She has worked at the hospital as a dietician for the last 16 years after receiving a kidney from a deceased donor in 1997.

On Saturday Claire will be part of Southmead's Amazing Abseil Adventure to raise money for the hospital's renal unit.

NHS Blood and Transport is using the event, and Organ Donor Week, to to remind prospective donors the importance of discussing their wishes with relatives.

At 13 she was put on dialysis to carry out the functions of her kidney and at 14 she had her first kidney transplant. Her first transplant only worked for two and a half years.

Claire was on dialysis during her time at university and it was while she was doing her masters to become a dietitian she got the call to say that a kidney had become available.

“I waited a long time for this kidney, but it’s been a good one,” Claire said.

“Until the last three months before my transplant I was reasonably well on dialysis, but it definitely came when I needed it. I was one of the lucky ones. I know a lot of people waiting for transplants, some for many, many years.

“It’s really important that people who want to save lives by donating their organs are telling their loved ones.”

Since having her transplant Claire has taken part in both the British and World Transplant Games, playing racquet sports and has won numerous medals.