Tragic Death of Mum Claire Boland After Five-Year Kidney Transplant Wait
Claire Boland, a courageous mother from Stockport, Greater Manchester, has tragically passed away after waiting more than five years for a kidney transplant. She died on Saturday, April 4, following a catastrophic bleed on the brain, leaving behind her husband Damien and two young daughters.
Desperate Plea for a Donor
Boland, who had a rare blood combination that made finding a compatible donor extremely difficult, made a public appeal for help just five months ago. She described it as her "last resort", stating she had "lost all hope" after numerous tests with friends and family failed to yield a match. Her chances were estimated at two in every 10,000 people due to her unique blood type.
Health Struggles and Daily Challenges
Diagnosed with type one diabetes at age eight, Boland spent much of her childhood in and out of hospital. Around seven years ago, she developed kidney failure that quickly progressed to end-stage disease. Her life revolved around gruelling medical routines:
- Regular haemodialysis sessions
- Monthly iron transfusions
- Frequent doctor visits for high blood pressure management
- Constant diabetes care
In November, she revealed the emotional toll: "It's such a strain on my mental health... my marriage, my children. I don't feel like I have a life anymore. My life is dialysis."
Sudden Brain Bleed and Final Days
The tragedy unfolded on March 29 when Boland was playing bingo with her mother Deborah Kershaw and a friend. She suddenly developed a severe headache, followed by facial drooping and loss of movement in her limbs. Paramedics rushed her to Stepping Hill Hospital, where scans revealed a "quick, catastrophic bleed to the back of her brain."
Doctors determined surgery was impossible due to the bleed's location and extent. Boland was placed on a ventilator and heavily sedated. After ventilation was withdrawn on March 31, she fought for four more days before passing away on April 4.
Family's Heartbreak and Fundraising Efforts
Boland leaves behind her husband Damien and daughters Ileana, two, and Elodie, 13. Her mother Deborah described her as "always smiling despite her issues" and having "a heart of gold." The family has launched a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses and support Damien and the children, as Boland had no life insurance due to her illnesses.
Deborah recalled her daughter's unfulfilled dream: "Her main goal was to go on holiday with the girls. Because of dialysis she wasn't allowed to go abroad, so she desperately wanted a transplant so she could take her daughters away and have a normal life with them."
The sudden nature of the tragedy has devastated the family. Deborah added: "It's just hard - you don't expect it. You go for a game of bingo and someone ends up losing their life." The family is now rallying to support Damien and the girls through school holidays and daily challenges.
