A surgeon who performed a groundbreaking, world-first kidney transplant in Leicester has been honoured with an OBE in the King's New Year Honours list.
A Revolutionary Technique in Transplant Medicine
Professor Michael Nicholson was recognised for his pioneering work using normothermic machine perfusion. This innovative technique, first used in a transplant at Leicester in 2010, involves assessing donor kidneys with warm, oxygenated blood before surgery. This major advancement meant that organs previously deemed unsuitable could be used, dramatically increasing the pool of available kidneys and saving countless lives.
The first patient to benefit from this procedure was Deborah Bakewell. At the time, the now 70-year-old had endured three years of intensive dialysis, spending nine hours every night connected to a machine. She feared she might never receive a transplant due to the critical shortage of suitable donor organs.
Fifteen Years of Transformed Life
Fifteen years after her landmark surgery, Deborah's transplanted kidney is still functioning perfectly. She recently reunited with Professor Nicholson in Cambridge to reflect on the profound impact of the operation.
"I thought I was going to burst into tears as soon as I saw him again. He is my hero," Deborah said. "Because of this normothermic machine perfusion technique, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with my step-grandchildren and travel, and even get back to playing golf. That would not have been possible without my transplant. I cannot express how thankful I am to my donor and Mike."
Funding Future Innovation
Kidney Research UK has supported Professor Nicholson's work for over twenty years. In 2023, they launched the Mike Nicholson Awards in his honour. Jointly funded with the Stoneygate Trust, the latest funding round made more than £3 million available to support innovative kidney transplant research across the UK.
Sandra Currie, Chief Executive of Kidney Research UK, stated: "Mike has made an extraordinary contribution to transplant science. With almost 7,000 people currently waiting for a kidney transplant in the UK, his pioneering work has changed lives and inspired a new generation of researchers."
Professor Nicholson added: "I am delighted to receive an OBE in recognition of my work as a kidney transplant surgeon. Transplantation is very much a team effort, and this honour reflects the dedication and hard work of the many outstanding colleagues I am fortunate to work with across the NHS and academia."
