Fed Rep gives ‘gift of life’ by donating kidney to colleague’s husband

28 August 2023

A selfless West Midlands Police Federation representative has made the 'gift of life' by donating one of her kidneys to her colleague’s husband. 

Sam Staite, 35, who has been in the force for 15 years, has donated one of her kidneys to Karl Strange, the husband of Yvonne, a youth officer in West Midlands Police Force.

Karl, 60, was diagnosed with kidney failure during lockdown, which meant he was receiving dialysis, for two four-hour sessions every week.  

Upon hearing that Karl needed to find a life-saving kidney donation, his wife’s colleague and a family friend, Sam, decided to undergo tests to see if she was a match, which she was.

“You just can’t believe it,” said Yvonne, 58. 

“Sam is such a good person, she is so unselfish. She is not only saving Karl’s life but she is extending it.”

Karl and Yvonne Strange are forever grateful to Sam Staite.

Karl, who lives with type one diabetes, was diagnosed with kidney failure after undergoing an operation for a benign lump that had been found in his organs.

“Yvonne has literally given us the gift of life. This kidney transplant will transform our lives. At one point, we couldn't even make plans for a weekend away without ensuring Karl had somewhere to get his dialysis,” added Yvonne, who, between her and Karl, have five children.

“And it’s not just us this has impacted, it’s everyone. The children can’t thank Sam enough.

“Some people are dealt a bad hand in life and now ours is covered in diamonds, and that’s thanks to Sam.”

Talks of the donation started in 2021, with Sam asking Karl if there was a way people could donate their organs while they were still alive.

“Karl told me that there was but you’d need tests, so I said, well I’ll have the tests,” explained Sam, who first met Yvonne 13 years ago while working in response.

She added: “I don’t think he thought I was being serious.

“It turns out I was a match. I called Yvonne and told her on her birthday and she just burst into tears.

“I can’t explain how much that phone call meant to us all. She was speechless.”

The operation took place on 16 May, with Sam admitting she was ‘strangely excited’ about the donation, as well as being understandably nervous. 

“It sounds weird but I just know how much of a difference this donation will make,” said Sam, who will be donating her left kidney to Karl.

“Ultimately, this man will die if he doesn’t get a kidney and if I can prevent that, then for me, it’s a no-brainer. This is saving his life.”

Both Sam and Karl were told it will take between eight and 12 weeks to recover.

“Yvonne and Karl are so great, they are one of those couples who will do anything for anyone,” added Sam.

“I can categorically say that he deserves my kidney.”

Sam spent eight days in hospital and, having recovered well, is due to return to work on 29 August.

“Management have been very supportive, with senior leaders visiting me and ensuring I have everything I need,” continued Sam, who revealed that support from her ‘police family’ has helped with recovery.

“My colleagues kept in touch and came to visit me in hospital on their rest days. It’s been extremely difficult - especially living alone - but with help from my police family I’ve recovered tremendously.”

Since the transplant, Karl has almost fully recovered and is no longer needing dialysis.

READ MORE: Fed's health and safety lead retires - Deano bids farewell to the Force