A heartwarming story emerges from West Sussex, where a loving mother is preparing to donate one of her kidneys to her nine-year-old daughter who suffered total kidney failure after contracting Covid. This act of selflessness gives Beth Conway another chance at life.
Beth, living with a kidney-related condition called C3, was susceptible to kidney attacks whenever she had a cough or a cold due to her weakened immune system. Initially, her kidneys were not functioning at full capacity, but the family believed they had several years before a transplant would be necessary.
However, everything changed when Beth fell ill a week before Christmas last year. Although her first lateral flow test for Covid came back negative, she displayed all the symptoms, including stomach sickness and a high temperature. As the year came to a close, her condition worsened, resulting in hospital visits due to kidney problems.
On February 7, the same day Beth tested positive for Covid, she was rushed to Evelina Children’s Hospital from Worthing Hospital. Just two days later, her kidneys failed, leaving her in a critical state. Her mother, Amanda, believes that Covid was the culprit, “destroying” Beth’s kidneys and exacerbating her condition.
Amanda vividly recounts the heart-wrenching moments of watching her daughter’s health deteriorate. Doctors worked hard to stabilize Beth, inserting a cannula into her stomach and administering antibiotics and immune suppressants. Throughout all this, Beth remained remarkably resilient.
As Beth continues her recovery at home after her hospital stay, she relies on a dialysis machine called “huggy bear.” Hooked up to the machine for nine hours each night, seven days a week, Beth is now largely bedbound and moves around in a wheelchair, accompanied by her parents.
The next step in Beth’s journey is a kidney transplant, scheduled to take place in the next five to six months, with Amanda being the donor. Amanda admits to initially being terrified about the idea but has since come to terms with it. The joy and excitement of having a part of her mother inside her give Beth comfort and hope. However, Amanda is still nervous about potential complications and rejection.
As parents, Amanda and Paul, Beth’s father, strive to be positive and strong for their daughter. They understand the impact their emotions can have on Beth’s wellbeing, so they remain steadfast in their support.
In anticipation of the life-changing procedure, Amanda is now fundraising to organize an early birthday party for Beth. The goal is to allow Beth to enjoy a day of celebration, surrounded by her friends and treated to a special spread from Pizza Hut. The family has had significant expenses due to hospital stays, which has left them financially strained.
Although Beth’s birthday is in August, Amanda plans to hold the party in June at their local Legion. They aim to provide Beth with an unforgettable experience, complete with three entertainers—a magician, a DJ, and a ventriloquist.
Through their journey, the Conway family hopes to raise awareness about the effects of Covid on various organs, not just the lungs. In addition to their fundraising target of £1,000, any excess funds will be donated to London’s Evelina Hospital, assisting other families whose lives have been turned upside down by illness.
The inspiring story of Amanda’s kidney donation to her daughter showcases the power of love and sacrifice. With her mother’s kidney, Beth can look forward to a brighter and healthier future.
