Police Federation National Board member Leigh Godfrey has shared his experience of donating a kidney to save his dad’s life for Men’s Health Week. 

Writing in a blog on the Police Federation website, Leigh said he wanted to encourage a healthy work environment where men feel safe to discuss health or wellbeing issues. 

Leigh, National Board post incident lead and Region 7 representative, 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 it will encourage officers to share the burdens they may be carrying. 

Donate a kidney

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?” 

Dyfed Powys Police Federation chair Gareth Jones said: “Men’s Health Week provides a chance to talk about health issues and Leigh’s brave story is a brilliant example of that and how he transformed his father’s life. 

“Hopefully it will help members to be able to open up and talk about the issues they face. 

“And hopefully is also opens up conversations about your wishes around organ donation, which can help save and change the lives of other people.” 

Read Leigh’s blog in full.