Linda, now 59, and Laurie, 67, have joined more than 600 other competitors at this year’s Games – a week of sport and celebration for all those who have received a life-saving transplant, being held in Launceston from 26 September to 3 October 2026, the first time the Games have ever been held in the state.
When Laurie’s kidneys began to fail, it was a “no brainer” for Linda to try to save his life. Luckily, the husband and wife, from McDowall, QLD, were a match, and in 2021 Linda donated one of her kidneys. Before his transplant, Laurie had experienced fatigue and was unable to concentrate. Linda’s sacrifice completely changed his life.
“The immediate difference was just incredible – it was like chalk and cheese,” Laurie says.
“The morning after my transplant I just felt so much better, the brain fog was completely gone. I could finally concentrate after months of feeling like my head was in a cloud.”
Five years on, marking the anniversary today, Laurie says his gratitude hasn’t faded.
“I’m thankful for my wife, and equally for my family. She’s been able to give me such happiness,” Laurie says. “We’ve got a granddaughter this year, and I’m able to spend time with her and do the things I want to do with her. So I’m very thankful.”
For Linda, the anniversary is just as meaningful.
“I’m thankful that I’ve been able to give Laurie a second chance at life, so he can spend so much time with his family, friends, and this amazing transplant community – giving all he can in his new life,” Linda says.
Competing together on the national stage in Tasmania for the very first time, Laurie and Linda are using their milestone anniversary to celebrate how far they’ve come, and to advocate for organ donation along the way.
Watch their powerful and emotional message below.
To see other living donation stories visit: https://transplant.org.au/living-donor-stories/.
