Woman donates kidney to twin brother after being revealed as 'perfect match'

A woman who donated a kidney to her twin brother said it was a "no-brainer" - as she was the be a "perfect match". Kira Owen gave an organ to her sibling Lloyd, who needed a transplant after a tumour caused damage.

Kira got tested and immediately offered her kidney when she found out she was a perfect match. The operation was successful and the siblings were able to recover together in the same ward at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

Kira, a supervisor from Plymouth, said: "He said we could get tested but there was no pressure. I knew my chances of being a match were high so it was absolutely a no-brainer for me.

"When I found out I was a match I was so happy that I could help my brother but at the same time it was scary as I didn't know what to expect."

Lloyd, an event manager from Plymouth, Devon, said: "It was a quick conclusion - Kira really wanted to do it. I was happy, I was relieved, but there was a lot of emotions regarding it - it was a big part of my life last year."

In 2015, Lloyd had been hospitalised after breaking his kneecap.

Doctors discovered Lloyd had a tumour on his parathyroid glands, which control calcium levels in the body. "My body was producing lots of calcium then realised it didn't need it and would deposit the calcium in my kidney which led to the damage," he added.

The tumour was taken out in 2015, but the harm was already done. By February 2023, doctors told Lloyd he would either need a kidney transplant or be on dialysis for life.

Kira underwent general health checks in July 2023 and a more thorough examination in September. She was then told she could be a donor for Lloyd. "I was told I was a perfect match - I was scared but relieved that he was going to get help," she said.

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