Debbie’s Night to Give Back - One Year On from Her Kidney Transplant

Almost a year ago, Ballymoney woman Debbie Patton received something many of us rarely consider - the gift of life. 

At 58, Debbie underwent a life-changing kidney transplant that not only saved her health but also reignited her spirit. 

Now, at 59, she's channelling her gratitude into action with a heartfelt fundraiser in aid of Northern Ireland Kidney Research, and the entire Ballymoney community is invited to join in.

“It’s transformed my life for the better,” Debbie said. “It's only thanks to the incredible support offered by groups such as Northern Ireland Kidney Research that things like this are possible. 

“As a small thank you and way to give back and make it possible for others to experience that gift of life that I have, I'm holding a fundraiser in aid of Northern Ireland Kidney Research. 

The event, set to take place at Ballymoney Football Club on Saturday 3rd May at 8pm, promises a night of disco, dancing, and a raffle packed with prizes donated by local businesses. Tickets are just £10 and can be snapped up by messaging Debbie on Facebook.

Debbie’s story is one of quiet strength and unwavering optimism. She spent years living with a kidney condition called IgA nephropathy, diagnosed in 2011, but carried on working.

Despite her condition, Debbie never complained. The only hints that something was wrong were her constant tiredness and a cold that no amount of heat could shake. 

As her condition declined, it became apparent that a kidney donor was required.

“It was at the beginning of last year that the doctor noticed my kidney function was up and down and up and down and up and down every time I went. That was the first year it started to decline.

“I was then put on the donor transplant list, and by that stage my kidney function was down to 12 or 13% - I was in kidney failure. I was so close to dialysis, they had come to the house to make sure I had enough room for a dialysis machine.”

Miraculously, just four weeks later, Debbie got the call. 

“I was just in from work on Wednesday night, it was about 6.30 pm, and I was making my supper. It was a lovely evening when the phone rang about an hour later. I nearly didn’t answer it because I didn’t recognise the number. But then they said, ‘Is this Debbie Patton? This is the City Hospital, we’ve got a kidney for you.’ 

“I couldn’t believe it, I had to ask her to repeat it.  She added ‘We have a kidney for you. Can you be in here tonight for ten o'clock?’

“It was so quick, I had to be in the City hospital to have tests done. The next morning, I woke up and it was the surgeon, Mr. James McDaid, who came to see me and said, ‘Debbie, your kidney will be here today at half past two’.

The kidney, from a young man in England, arrived the next day. 

“The surgeon told me, ‘Debbie, you won the lottery today.’ And he was right. I did.”

Emotion swells in Debbie’s voice when she talks about her donor. “Every time I think of him, it gets me. He lost his life but gave me mine.”

The surgery recovery had its bumps, but Debbie has taken time to heal, and now, nearly a year on, she’s preparing to return to work soon. “I’m doing good,” she says. “Sometimes I get tired, but I think we all do.”

Now, Debbie’s energy is focused on giving back. With the help of friends like Jane Parkhill and the Ballymoney and Coleraine branch of Northern Ireland Kidney Research, she’s pulled together a community-driven event. From butcher vouchers to meal vouchers, local businesses, including Supervalu, Ballymoney, The Lodge Hotel, Bayview Hotel, and The Scenic Inn, have rallied behind her.

“I'm part of the Coleraine Ballymoney branch of the Northern Ireland Kidney. We're a wee group that meets monthly in the Robertson Hospital in Ballymoney. I always said that I would give something back to research once it was well enough.

“I've had a lot of raffle prizes now from the likes of Basil Knipe and Winsome Lady. I'm very lucky, the shops in the town have been very, very good. Ballymoney is such a good community. This town is great like that,” Debbie added. “They’ve been brilliant.”

Debbie’s children, aged 42, 37, and 34, her son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and her four grandchildren are her world. 

“I have plenty of time for them and anytime they need me, I’m there,” Debbie says proudly. “And thanks to this transplant, I’ll be here for them. I wouldn't have been so lucky if I'd been on dialysis.”

Debbie is not setting a fundraising target for the May event; she wants to raise whatever she can. 

“At the end of the day, they were good enough to me. I just want to give something back.”

If you're keen to support a great cause in Ballymoney on 3rd May and fancy a brilliant night out, tickets for the fundraiser are just £10. To get yours, simply send a private message to Debbie Patton on Facebook.

You can also reach out to Jane Parkhill, Jennifer Parkhill, or Angela McErlain, who are all helping with ticket sales.

So, if you’re free that night, grab your dancing shoes and join the fun. There’ll be tunes, laughter, maybe even a tear or two, and every pound raised helps someone like Debbie get a second chance.