Heart transplant patient urges families to discuss donation

Lynne Romain, 61, a mother of two, collapsed with heart problems in 2020.

She was later diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis, which causes inflammation in the heart.

In February 2025 she underwent a heart transplant operation, spending a total of 5 months in Uxbridge’s Harefield Hospital.

Lynne said: “I was lucky; I saw many friends waiting a long time, some didn't make it in time, which was devastating."

Lynne Romain (Image: Lynne Romain)

Since the transplant, Lynne has developed kidney failure and started dialysis in March 2025.

Her family trained in home dialysis at Portsmouth’s QA hospital, which takes 3 hours and must occur 6 times a week for her to stay alive.

She is hoping that a kidney donor becomes available soon but expects that the waiting list for a transplant will take a long time.

She said: “Please talk to your loved ones about possible organ donation and make your wishes clear.

“You can honour your loved one by saving so many lives.”

Lynne Romain (Image: Lynne Romain)

According to Kidney Research UK, 7,203 people are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant as of April 2026. 

Lynne urges people to discuss organ donation with their families so their wishes are clear.

She and her family have always been on the donor register, but she stresses the importance of making their wishes clear so loved ones do not face difficult decisions.

Lynne said: “We have always been on the organ donor list but also made sure our family knew our wishes, it's surprising how many people don't do this.

Lynne Romain (Image: Lynne Romain)

“Please talk to your families and save someone's life; it’s the most incredible gift ever.”

She believes discussing donation with families could increase the number of donors and save lives.

She thanked her husband, Peter, along with her family, friends and staff at Hartley Hospital, saying she “cannot praise them enough” for their support.