When one Co Antrim man got married it was to prove an ideal match in every respect.
Johnny Barnett went on to receive a “life-changing” gift from his wife Lauren in the form of a kidney transplant.
Now, more than a decade on, he is preparing to run the London Marathon for charity.
Johnny (44), from Lisburn, was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease when he was just five.
He underwent an operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital but found out the damage was irreversible.
After living most of his life with the disease, he was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure in 2012 – with his organ functioning at only 7% – and placed on the transplant list.
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Johnny with his wife Lauren celebrating the birthday of ‘Sidney’ the kidney she donated to him
In January 2013, aged 32, he started dialysis and the search for a donor began.
“A number of family members came forward to see if they were suitable, but none were,” he explained.
“My wife then came forward to see if she was a match and even though it wasn’t a perfect match it was good enough for the doctors to agree to move forward with the transplant.”
The following year, having been married for less than eight months, his wife donated her kidney.
Typically kidney donors would often be blood relatives such as siblings – who have a 25% probability of matching – or parents or even children.
“It was true love!” Johnny said.
“My wife and I got married in September 2013 and on Friday May 23 2014 I received my successful transplant which not only changed my life but both of our lives.”
Jonathan Barnett from Maghaberry who has had a successful Kidney transplant is currently in training for the London Marathon in aid of Kidney Care UK. (Photo by Peter Morrison)
Johnny said that after waking up from his transplant the following morning, he immediately felt the difference.
“I was so young when I was diagnosed, I just knew no different. I didn’t realise how tired I was – I just got on with work and other things,” he said.
“Then when I had the transplant, I literally woke up the next morning and felt the difference, I couldn’t believe how quickly it changed my life.
“And now I live life with my new friend Sidney the kidney!
“It was the first name to pop into my head and we even celebrate his birthday each year.”
Now, ahead of the 11th anniversary of the transplant, Johnny plans to pound the pavements for 26 miles across London on April 27.
Johnny in Great Ormond Street Hospital
He is fundraising for Kidney Care UK, which provides support to patients and their families affected by kidney disease.
“There are currently 3.5 million people diagnosed with kidney disease – with 68,000 of these in kidney failure and 30,000 receiving dialysis treatment,” Johnny explained.
“Every step I take and every penny I raise will be helping Kidney Care UK be there for people affected by kidney disease.”
This will be Johnny’s eighth marathon – he has previously raised tens of thousands of pounds charity over the past 20 years.
He took part in his first when he was 23 after being inspired by his dad.
Jonathan Barnett from Maghaberry who has had a successful Kidney transplant is currently in training for the London Marathon in aid of Kidney Care UK. (Photo by Peter Morrison)
“My dad was always really into running and I have memories watching him cross the finish line at the Belfast marathon when I was younger,” he said.
“I then did my first with him in 2004 and now we have run the Belfast marathon five times together.
“Previous charities we raised money for include CLIC Sargent and Cancer Fund for Children.
“He doesn’t run anymore but he still helps me with my fundraising and drinks breaks.”
This will be Johnny’s third marathon since his transplant.
“In 2017 I ran a marathon for the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund (NIKRF) and then again in 2023,” he added.
“The first one I raised £1,800 and the second one around £2,400 so I’m hoping to raise £2,500 and beat my previous fundraising totals.”
To donate to Johnny’s fundraiser visit:
https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jonathan-barnett