Full Breakdown
A Lifelong Bond Leads to a Life-Saving Kidney Transplant
7/15/2026, 9:56:10 PM
Core Event: Transplant at Southmead Hospital
In October, Tim Swinburn of Melksham, Wiltshire, donated a kidney to Clare Brixey of Standerwick, Somerset, at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. The operation lasted four hours and was reported as successful. Both individuals have returned to their daily activities; Swinburn resumed work as a support worker for The Salvation Army’s Swindon Booth House, and Brixey has taken up horse-riding again after years on dialysis.
Background & Context: A Tragic Meeting and Enduring Friendship
The two first met in 2004 when Swinburn, then a Wiltshire Police officer, knocked on Brixey’s door to inform her that her 20-year-old son, Ashley, had died in a car crash. At that time Brixey was already undergoing dialysis for kidney failure. The encounter sparked a friendship that has lasted more than two decades. When Brixey’s earlier transplant began to fail, Swinburn offered his own kidney, stating he would not accept a refusal.
Recovery and Ongoing Charity Efforts
Following the transplant, both parties reported good recovery. Brixey has resumed horse-riding and participates in family activities with her daughter and granddaughter. Swinburn and Brixey are planning fund-raising events for transplant-related charities, leveraging their story to raise awareness of organ donation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Giving the gift of life, to me it's just a human thing to do,” — Tim Swinburn
- “Anyone with a heart would give something to keep someone else alive.” — Tim Swinburn
- “He was such a compassionate man and very easy to talk to and supportive to our family.” — Clare Brixey
- “When my first kidney transplant started to fail, he told me 'you're going to have one of mine and I won't take no as an answer.” — Clare Brixey
- “'" Mr Swinburn added: "Clare is one of those special people, we've joked over the years we are like siblings.” — Tim Swinburn
