A brave mother who had been hoping for a kidney donor for over five years has sadly passed away. Claire Boland, a resident of Stockport, Greater Manchester, suffered a severe brain hemorrhage leading to her demise on April 4. Last year, she expressed despair over the challenge of finding a suitable kidney match due to her rare blood type, with odds of only two in 10,000 people.
Despite efforts from friends, family, and loved ones to be tested as potential donors, no suitable match was found. Tragically, Claire experienced a brain hemorrhage while out at a bingo game with her mother and best friend. It is yet to be determined if this brain bleed was related to her previous health issues.
Claire is survived by her husband Damien, daughters Ileana, two, and Elodie, 13, and her extended family. She had made a public plea for a kidney donor just five months ago. Diagnosed with type one diabetes at a young age, she later developed end-stage kidney failure, requiring intensive treatments like haemodialysis, iron transfusions, and frequent medical appointments to manage her conditions.
Struggling with the emotional toll of her health challenges, Claire made a heartfelt appeal for a donor, feeling like it was her last hope. Unfortunately, a matching donor was never found. Claire’s mother, Deborah Kershaw, recounted the sudden onset of Claire’s brain hemorrhage during a routine outing, leading to her hospitalization and eventual passing.
Despite a brief fight for survival, Claire succumbed to the brain bleed on April 4. Her family has set up a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses and provide support for Damien and their daughters. Deborah fondly remembered Claire as a kind-hearted and resilient individual who always put her family first, cherishing the hope of a better life through a transplant. The family is devastated by the loss and is rallying together to support one another during this difficult time. To contribute to the fundraising effort, please visit the GoFundMe page linked here.