From patient to volunteer to fundraiser: Jess’s transplant journey

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) brought significant challenges for Jess McBurnie-Davies, but it also introduced her to a supportive community that would play an important role in her journey. Keen to stay connected, be creative and give something back, Jess signed up as a volunteer with NHS Lothian while undergoing treatment.

Throughout her CKD journey, Jess also benefited from support made possible through NHS Lothian Charity-funded projects, including the Renal Young Adult Support Service. Created to help young adults living with chronic kidney disease feel more connected, confident and supported, the service offers practical and emotional support alongside opportunities to meet others who understand the challenges of living with a long-term condition. As well as helping young people navigate education, employment, finances and relationships, the service brings people together through peer support activities and shared experiences.

Reflecting on the support she received, Jess said:

NHS Lothian Charity has helped so much over the past two years by funding services and projects that have been beneficial throughout the CKD journey we’ve been on and are still on.”

Through the service, Jess also became involved in The Kilted Kidney, the renal young adult newsletter. For more than a year she has volunteered as a contributor, sharing stories and helping create content for others navigating similar experiences. The flexible role allowed her to volunteer around dialysis appointments while continuing to use her writing and creative skills.

After living with CKD for two years, Jess and her wife Sara received life-changing news in April 2026 when Sara was confirmed as a suitable match for a living kidney donation.

In the months leading up to the transplant, Jess focused on preparing both physically and mentally for surgery. One of her first tasks was batch cooking meals to make recovery easier.

The transplant no longer required a specialist renal diet, so I filled the freezer with some of the foods I’d missed for a long time,” Jess explained in an article she later wrote for The Kilted Kidney. “It meant less standing, bending and stretching after surgery and helped me maintain a healthy diet while adjusting to the new medication.”

Recovery brought its own milestones. Encouraged by nurses and physiotherapists, Jess gradually increased her activity levels, beginning with short walks and slowly building up her strength. Within two months of surgery, she was averaging around 5,000 steps each day.

Just over 20 weeks after both of their surgeries, Jess and Sara set themselves an ambitious challenge.

On 13 September 2026, they joined thousands of participants at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, taking on the Big Stroll and walking 11 miles in support of NHS Lothian Charity. Having experienced first-hand the impact of charity-funded services throughout her CKD and transplant journey, taking part was Jess and Sara’s way of giving back and helping ensure others receive similar support in the future.

For Tu Edwards, NHS Lothian Charity’s Community and Events Fundraiser, one moment from the day stood out above all others.

Watching Jess and Sara cross the finish line was incredibly special. Just 20 weeks after their transplant journey, seeing them complete the Kiltwalk together was a powerful reminder of how far they had come.

“But the moment I’ll never forget came afterwards. Sara spotted her transplant coordinator, Nina, and walked over to thank her. She took off her Kiltwalk medal, placed it around Nina’s neck and said, ‘I did this for you.’

“It was such an special moment to witness and perfectly captured the gratitude, compassion and human connection that sit at the heart of our NHS.”

Jess and Sara were joined on the day by fellow members of the Transplant Trekkers, a returning Kiltwalk fundraising team made up of transplant recipients, donors, family members and staff connected to the Renal Unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Together, they celebrated the life-changing impact of transplantation and the strong sense of community that continues long after surgery.

Alongside many other NHS Lothian volunteers, the team helped raise an incredible £ 3,963.90 for NHS Lothian Charity through this year’s Edinburgh Kiltwalk. Their efforts will help the Charity continue supporting projects and services that improve experiences for patients, families and staff across Lothian.

Jess’s journey from patient to volunteer and fundraiser demonstrates the lasting impact that compassionate support can have. From the Young Adult Renal Support Service and The Kilted Kidney, to the care she received throughout her transplant journey, every step helped shape her desire to give back, helping ensure that future patients and families can access the same opportunities, connections and support that meant so much to her.