A former Wiltshire police officer has donated his kidney – saving the life of a woman he met following her son’s death more than two decades ago.
Tim Swinburn, who worked as a constable in Chippenham up until 2007, underwent surgery to given the vital organ to a woman he supported as a family liaison officer.
He met Clare in the wake of her 20-year-old son’s death – after he was killed in a road traffic collision. At that time, she was already suffering from kidney failure and on dialysis.
Tim, who now works at The Salvation Army’s Booth House in Swindon, kept in touch with Clare and on hearing that her previously transplanted kidney was failing and faced little chance of finding another donor, he offered one of his own.
The former officer, who now supports people experiencing homelessness at the 50-bed hostel, said: “When you see someone facing such immense challenges, the desire to help is instinctive.
“We lost touch for a while, but when we reconnected and I learned how critical her situation was, offering my kidney felt like the natural, human thing to do.
“At Salvation Army Booth House, we talk about giving people the tools and time for a fresh start; this was just another form of that same principle.”
Doctors described the transplant as equivalent to “three C-sections” in complexity. Despite some discomfort as his body adjusts to having one kidney, Tim is back at work and looking to the future.
The transplant has transformed Clare’s life, freeing her from the demands of dialysis. A keen horse rider, she now hopes to return to the saddle soon.
Tim is now using his experience to raise awareness of organ donation and funds for The Salvation Army’s work in Swindon.
In March next year, he plans to walk from Salvation Army Headquarters in London to Booth House in Swindon, sleeping rough along the way to highlight homelessness and the importance of organ donation.
He also intends to launch a fundraising page to support transplant-related charities and Booth House’s ongoing work.
Clare, meanwhile, will complete a series of horse-riding challenges every day for a week to support the same cause.
Tim said: “This experience has shown me the profound difference a single act can make.
“If my story encourages just one person to consider organ donation or to support the work of organisations like The Salvation Army, then this journey will have an even greater purpose.”
Deborah Toomey, Service Manager at Booth House Lifehouse, said that Tim selfless act should be an inspiration.
“His actions – both in his daily work and through this incredible donation – perfectly embody the spirit of compassion and service at the heart of everything we do. We are incredibly proud of him,” she said.
Booth House Lifehouse, based in Spring Close, Swindon, provides 24-hour accommodation and support for adults experiencing homelessness.
Residents receive help with life skills, healthcare access, addiction recovery, employment and budgeting, alongside emotional and practical support.
The centre also offers work experience through initiatives such as The Sandwich People, which trains residents in food preparation and customer service, and Recycles, a bicycle repair shop that teaches mechanics.
To learn more about Swindon Booth House and its programmes, click here.
