Dad and son take on charity skydive one year after kidney transplant

A father and son have taken on a charity skydive to mark one year since dad, Mark Hamilton, donated his kidney to his teenage son, Thomas.

In July 2023, at the age of 14, Thomas was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure after suddenly becoming unwell. He immediately began dialysis and was told he would need a kidney transplant.

Mum Faye White explained: “This came as a huge shock and was incredibly difficult for Thomas, and for all of us, to come to terms with. The effects of kidney failure and dialysis were very hard on him. His appetite almost disappeared, and he needed to be tube-fed. He often felt unwell, fatigued, had regular vomiting, and found it difficult to keep up with his friends or attend school as much as he wanted. Thomas never completed a full week of school for the whole of year 10.

“For us as a family it was heartbreaking to see Thomas so unwell. Before his diagnosis, Thomas was very fit and active, he played for a football team and attended regular sprint training. Among his friends, he was known for his speed, sport meant everything to him. He had even chosen his GCSE options with the hope of a career in sport.

“Thomas no longer had the strength to play or train, and losing that part of his life was devastating for him, and for us to watch. To see such a big change from being the fastest on the pitch to struggling daily with illness has been one of the hardest things we have ever faced together.”

As the search for a donor began, dad Mark was relieved to find that he was a match, and would be able to donate his kidney to Thomas. 

Mark explained: “When we learned that Thomas would need a kidney transplant, I knew I wanted to be the one to donate if I was able to. The wait for the transplant was a journey of careful testing, with each stage bringing reassurance as we moved forward. We were well supported and informed throughout, and receiving the transplant date was a moment of real relief.”

The transplant took place in September 2024, with Mark’s kidney being removed at the City Hospital, and transported to Thomas at the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC). 

Thomas, now aged 16, says his life has improved hugely since his transplant, and he’ll be forever grateful to his dad.

Thomas said: “Since my transplant, everything has been so different. After 14 months on dialysis, I finally feel well again. I’m back sprint training regularly, and I won gold at the British Transplant Games in the 100m sprint, which was such a proud moment for me. I passed my GCSEs,and I’ve started a Level 3 engineering course at college, which I’m really enjoying.

“None of this would have been possible without the kidney from my dad. The transplant has given me energy and the chance to do the things I love again. I’ll always be grateful to him for that.”

Faye said: “Now, seeing Thomas full of energy again feels like a dream come true. He’s back to doing the things he loves, training, competing, and enjoying college life. As his mum, nothing makes me happier than seeing him laugh, plan for his future, and live like a normal teenager again. His younger brother Kian is pleased to have his brother back playing football with him.”

In September 2025, one year after their transplant surgery, Mark and Thomas took on another challenge together – a charity skydive to raise money for the Children’s Renal Unit at Nottingham Children’s Hospital, QMC, where Thomas received his treatment.

The pair took part with a group of other families who wanted to raise money after receiving care on the unit.

Mum Faye said: “When Thomas saw a post on Facebook about a group skydive to raise money for the unit, he really wanted to sign up. He was determined to take part.

“As his mum, I was secretly hoping his consultant would say no, I didn’t think I could cope with any more stress! But seeing how much it meant to him, and how determined he was, I couldn’t say no. Then Mark decided to join him! I was so proud of them both.”

The pair raised £1,640 for Nottingham Hospitals Charity, which will go to the Children’s Renal Unit to fund facilities and equipment for other families like Thomas’s. 

Michelle Dorman, Senior Community Fundraising Manager at Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re so grateful to Thomas and Mark for taking on this challenge to raise money for the Children’s Renal Unit. We’re glad that Thomas is now doing so well after his treatment and surgery, he should be really proud of himself for how far he’s come.

“The money the family has raised will go towards providing things like child-friendly facilities, and specialist medical equipment that will make a big difference to other families like theirs.”

To donate to Thomas and Mark’s skydive fundraising, please click here.