"Organ donation is very special to the families of organ donors. To those receiving donations through transplantation, it is astonishing. This book allows us to see, in a special way, the reality of what donation means to those affected and their families. Donation and Transplantation is a branch of medicine where the numbers, the statistics, the plans and the bits of paper are all very important but behind every single statistic or number there are people. Their stories are extraordinary and unique. To have these accounts and photographs together in this collection - to hear and to see the stories of people who have been through these journeys - is significant. It's important to me because these are the stories of the people whom I may never meet, yet they are the reason I am doing my job. When I read what they've been through, what they've faced to get where they are today, I am reminded that they are very special people - all of them."

               Chris Rudge, National Clinical Director for Transplantation

"This book is excellent for organisations, such as the Transplant Trust, whose aim is to raise awareness about transplant issues. Kim has collected honest accounts about how it feels to be someone in need of an organ to survive and this book will help people to understand this situation better; they will be more likely to join the Organ Donor Register after reading these experiences. We desperately need more donors - which means that what Kim has done will help save people's lives."

               Cim Bartlett, Kidney Recipient

"Donation:Transplantation:Conversation is very interesting because all the literature that we currently have in the unit and hospital is created internally, by the NHS and it comes from a medical perspective. Although there's been patient involvement in terms of developing our new literature, it's still written and commissioned by us. Kim's book is something different, which will help patients, recipients and their families by offering an alternative to the publications we currently provide."

               Magnus Roseke, Live Donor Co-ordinator

"A much-needed and honest account."

                The Transplant Trust

 

Comments Resulting from the Exhibition and Book Launch

 

....Can I congratulate you on your achievement of completing you piece for exhibition. I have heard reports that it is 'fantastic'. 

Also, can I take this opportunity to thank you for choosing the subject of Organ Donation. Highlighting the importance of Organ Donation through media and images accessible to the general population really has a massive impact and saves lives. Since last year the number of people now on the Organ Donor Register has increased by 1 million. This is greatly due to media exposure just like your book.

Well done again,

Brian Tierney 

(Transplant Co-ordinator)

 

 

(In Comments Book) Kim,

The whole transplant community will thank you for this exceptional book that goes a long way in filling the gap in literature aimed at unravelling the mystery o donation and transplantation for the lay individual and many health professionals. Your dedication and clearly inspired approach is only too clear and you should be, and are, congratulated on this outstanding contribution. I hope this is just the beginning of a long and remarkable career and I wish you all the very best for your continued success in your chosen field of photojournalism.

(and via Email) Dear Kim,

I was so glad I was able to come along and meet with you again and see your exhibition, plus be witness to the wonderful work you have done with the book. I have shared it with colleagues and from their perspectives it is ideal for undergraduate students, school children and lay public. They really liked the magazine style layout, which they thought most useful for these groups and those that may wish to 'dip in'. So, I would encourage you to complete the project, as there will, as you know, be a real call for material like this to help support the ideals and educational drive of the Taskforce recommendations. I will send you my comments re my interview but I don't think there is a lot I would like to change. Should you need help in locating any of the rest of people to interview i.e. ethicist etc if you wish I may be able to help to identify someone. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to be part of such an ambitious project, which certainly is way and above the expectations of any Masters programme final project that I am familiar with!! 

So, very well done and many. many congratulations.         

Dr. Magi Sue
(Senior Lecturer,
University of Southampton)

Hi Kim

Great to see you this evening; very well done with the book and all the hard work you have completed, not an easy task that showed dedication and a truthful account of people within the subject matter.

I have seen many books about transplants and donors, but what makes yours great is that the content portrays very many different perspectives and engages the reader in a modern and up to date way.

It would be fabulous if many people who needed a transplant or are thinking about signing the donor registry could read it.

I am very proud to be in your book and proud to know you, me and Zeena thoroughly enjoyed the show.

Best wishes

Namik (Heart Transplant Patient), Zeena, Shireen and Leyla

 

Dear Kim

I wanted to write to let you know just how much I thought of the book. It is simply fantastic. Great information for everyone and manages to stay touching throughout.

I hope to work with you to ensure that all patients entering the waiting list get given a copy of your work.

Once again thank you for all of your work on the subject.

Kind regards,

Alexander Hole (Kidney Recipient) 

 

Absolutely fabulous. Everyone on the waiting list should have one!

Professor John Wallwork, Heart Surgeon

 

Remarkable, just what the transplant community has been waiting for - amazing photography

Anna Perkins, Transplant Trust

 

Other Comments:

Well done - very pleased to see it in print.

We were very impressed by the quality of your book and exhibition.

This is fantastic! You make us so proud.

What an impressive piece of work! I hope it will make a very significant impact on the way people think about donation and transplant. It certainly should!

Such an inspirational piece of work. Congratulations. Every potential live donor should read this book to help them understand the gift they have to give. I hope to see it widely circulated soon!

Absolutely fantastic! You did bring tears to my eyes reading your book. Keep up the good work and look forward to seeing more of your books in Waterstones.

As a transplant recipient I think the book is marvellous. A must for every person who is diagnosed as requiring a transplant. The book must be available as a minimum in every transplant unit. Kim's work in producing the book must be applauded as an outstanding piece of work that can only improve transplantation and the positive issues surrounding it. 

Your photos are so full of emotion - they are extremely moving.

An inspiring exhibition. Thank you

What a fantastically inspirational collection of work!

I really appreciated your work, it combines perfectly art and social engagement... I wish you good luck for your next projects!

What you've done is amazing! Your commitment, strength, sensibility... keep following your instinct.

Truly inspirational work - you should be exceptionally proud of yourself.

Your commitment and determination really shows in this work. Someone will publish it... they would be crazy not to!

I still get emotional when I see your project. It's wonderful.