An Angus grandmother has become a British tennis champion six years after receiving a lifesaving kidney transplant.
Lyn Kearney from Montrose, 74, took home gold at this summer’s Transplant Games in Coventry.
She first picked up a racquet when she was ten.
But she said she wouldn’t still be playing the sport she loves if it weren’t for an anonymous donor.
“I had one kidney removed then I had to go on to dialysis,” she said.
“It worked out it was two years after I got the call [that she had received a donation].
“I look on my win here and the medal I got, as a symbol of my gratitude to the donor, and the donor’s family, whoever they are.
“And just in general to all donors, for this incredible gift that they give.”
Tennis has been a big part of Lyn Kearney’s life ever since she was a young girl.
But in her late 40s she was diagnosed with kidney disease.
It gradually got worse over a near 20-year period, before she received a transplant in 2017.
She’s since returned to playing tennis, inspiring members at her local club.
“She’s had so many hurdles to cope with and has coped with them so well,” said Catherine Smith.
“Not just her organ transplant, but with other life events.
“She’s kept going as much as she can all the time.
“To see her back playing as good tennis as she has been playing as long as I can remember.
“Then winning the transplant games, amazing!”
The law around organ donations in Scotland was changed from an opt in to an opt out scheme in 2021.
Despite that, doctors say there remains a shortage of donations.
Dr Joanne Sloan from NHS Tayside said: “There’s definitely still work to do.
“I think the opt out scheme has been a huge step forward.
“But I think we still have work to do. We have over 500 people in Scotland waiting on an organ.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
