A former police officer who once delivered the devastating news of a son's death to a grieving mother has now given her the gift of life through an extraordinary kidney donation.
From tragedy to life-saving connection
Tim Swinburn, 61, was working as a family liaison officer in 2004 when he faced the grim task of informing Clare Brixey, 61, that her 20-year-old son Ashley had died in a car accident. At the time, Clare was already battling kidney failure and dependent on dialysis treatment.
The pair maintained contact over the years after Clare initially received a kidney donation from another source. However, when Tim learned that Clare's donated kidney was failing and her chances of securing another were slim, he didn't hesitate to offer one of his own.
An extraordinary act of compassion
The successful transplant operation took approximately four hours, which medical professionals described as surgically equivalent to three Caesarean sections. Both Tim and Clare are now recovering well, though Tim continues to experience some discomfort as his body adjusts to functioning with a single kidney.
Clare, who works holistically with horses and lives in Standerwick, Somerset, expressed her profound gratitude. "I do feel amazing," she said. "I feel happy to be alive and I am so grateful for Tim. I have only got one working kidney but I know I am going to have a great life for the lifespan of that kidney."
She also reflected on Tim's original support during her darkest days: "He gave myself and my family genuine support 24 hours a day. If we needed him he was always there for us all. He genuinely cares about people and understands the enormity of grief that they suffer."
New purpose through lifesaving gift
Tim, who now works as a support worker at The Salvation Army's Booth House in Swindon - a 50-bed hostel providing a safe environment for people experiencing homelessness - explained his motivation. "When you see someone facing such immense challenges, the desire to help is instinctive," he said.
"When I learned how critical her situation was, offering my kidney felt like the natural, human thing to do. To see Clare doing so well - that's my boost. That makes everything worthwhile."
The Salvation Army described Tim's donation as "an extraordinary act of compassion" that aligns with their mission of providing people with tools and opportunities for fresh starts.
Now, Tim is channelling his experience into a new mission: raising awareness about organ donation and funds for The Salvation Army's ongoing work supporting vulnerable people across the UK.
