Ross resident Annmarie Higgins has more reason than most to be grateful to the NHS. This is her story: “In 2008 I went to the doctors for a routine check-up and my blood pressure for the first time ever was very high. He prescribed some tablets and asked me to come back in a week. My blood pressure was coming down but he went ahead with some blood tests.

“The next morning I had a call to come to the surgery urgently, my results showed I had kidney failure, my function was only 24%. Hence I was rushed into hospital.

“Over the next few years I was monitored closely and advised that my kidneys would fail and the only thing I could do would be to get as healthy as possible to help me cope, which I did. I felt fine but my kidneys were dying inside.

“Kidney disease is often called the ‘Silent killer.’ As predicted my kidney function worsened but because I was so focused on keeping healthy the deterioration was slow. By the autumn of 2013 my kidney function was only 5%. My consultant jokingly said that I was clinically dead, even though I really did feel ok on the outside. I was working and delivering training for teachers all over the UK.

“My kidney function went down to only 4% in October 2013 and I had to start dialysis which didn’t work. This was a disaster and I went into hospital every other day for two weeks but my veins just kept bursting in my arms. Then on October 31st, 2013 I had an emergency operation to try and remove the tiny blockage in my vein in my arm. I was then sent straight from theatre to the ward for five hours of dialysis. That evening I drove home back to Ross and somehow at midnight made my way to bed. Just as I slid into bed the phone rang “we have a kidney for you.” I was so delighted and also shocked, it was a dream come true. I went straight to Southmead Hospital and had my transplant which was a huge success.

“The doctors, consultants, nurses and a very special person, who I am not allowed to know, saved my life by donating their kidney to me.

“I have so many thank yous to say, mostly for saving my life so my beautiful daughters still have their mum. Thanks to the fantastic NHS.”