FRIDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026

Photograph attached: Meg Park, Lead Nurse Medicine Division

Celebrating NHS Tayside nurse Meg Park’s 25-year Transplant Anniversary

NHS Tayside is marking Organ and Tissue Donation Week by celebrating NHS Tayside’s nurse Meg Park’s silver anniversary of the combined kidney and pancreas transplant that transformed her life.

Meg, a Lead Nurse within NHS Tayside's Medicine Division, was diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of 29. Just weeks after marrying her husband Bob, she began dialysis, attending hospital three evenings a week. Life on dialysis was demanding and restrictive, but Meg was determined to continue caring for others whilst undergoing her treatment and coping with the exhaustion and health challenges associated with kidney failure.

In 2001, Meg received the call that would change her life forever. She was notified that organs had become available and she was to travel to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for a combined kidney and pancreas transplant. Although the operation and recovery were challenging, the transplant freed her from dialysis and insulin injections and opened the door to a future she had once feared might not be possible.

Now 57, her successful transplant has enabled Meg to build a career, make memories with loved ones and enjoy opportunities she never thought possible.

Meg Park said, “This year marks 25 years since my transplant, a milestone I never imagined reaching when I was living with kidney failure and relying on dialysis and coping with the day-to-day challenges this brought.

"When the call came, although I felt enormous relief, I can admit to feeling a bit scared too, as it was a huge operation. I really hoped that this transplant operation would give me an opportunity for a future I wasn't sure I would have otherwise.

“However, twenty-five years later, I can honestly say that organ donation gave me my life back. I was able to return to the career I love, spend precious time with family and friends, travel, enjoy new hobbies and make memories I simply wouldn't have experienced otherwise."

NHS Tayside’s Clinical Lead for Organ Donation, Dr Alex Eros, said, “Organ and Tissue Donation Week highlights the life-saving and life-enhancing impact of organ donation and encourages people to make their wishes known. While organ donation has the power to transform lives, families will always be involved in the donation process and knowing a loved one's wishes can make an incredibly difficult time easier.

“As part of Organ and Tissue Donation Week, NHS Tayside is encouraging people to register their organ donation decision and, we sincerely hope that by sharing Meg’s story it will encourage others to take a few moments to think about organ donation and have that important conversation with those closest to them.”

Today, Meg enjoys a full and active life with her husband Bob and her dog Skye. Over the past 25 years she has celebrated many family celebrations, travelled abroad, and continued a nursing career which has spanned almost four decades.

Reflecting on her donor and their family, Meg added, "I will be forever grateful to my donor and their family. At a time of immense sadness, they made a decision that changed my life completely.

"Their gift has not only given me 25 extra years, but it has also allowed me to continue being part of my family and friends' lives. These are all things that have been possible because one family said yes to organ donation. The kindness and generosity shown by my donor's family will stay with me forever."

For more information about organ and tissue donation, or to register your decision, visit www.organdonation.scot or call 0300 123 23 23.

Contact:

Anna Michie

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138