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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Michelle Cullen

RTE Late Late Show viewers left gobsmacked after lifesaving 'incredible act of kindness'


RTE Late Late Show viewers were left gobsmacked after two childhood friends shared their story of kidney donation.

Sheila Hanevy and Aine Cornally from Ballymore, Co Westmeath were born just minutes apart from each other in the same hospital and later went to the same primary school.

The women became close friends in secondary school, and their bond lasted into their adult life.

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The pair told of how Aine saved Sheila's life after she was diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of 15.

Sheila Hanevy and Aine Cornally with Ryan Tubridy (RTE The Late Late Show Twitter)

Sheila underwent a kidney transplant at the time, but after 15 years, it failed, requiring her to undergo dialysis treatment for the next 19 years.

Aine was more than willing to donate a kidney to her best friend, but unfortunately, she was not a match.

However, the pair refused to give up and instead entered a kidney swap programme in the UK.

This resulted in Aine donating a kidney to a stranger in London so that Sheila could, in turn, receive a kidney from a donor in Scotland.

Sheila underwent a successful transplant in March 2019.

Viewers couldn't believe the strength of the two's friendship and the selflessness of Aine to give up her kidney.

Taking to Twitter, one person wrote: "An incredible story of friendship, love and strength tonight from Aine and Sheila on the #latelateshow highlighting the importance of organ donation".

A second said: "Great story by those two ladies".

While a third commented: "This woman giving away a kidney while I'd struggle to give away my last rolo. Incredibe act of kindness from her!"

Others related to the story on a personal level and said the interview had given them hope.

They said: "As someone desperately waiting for a #kidney for the last 2.5 years Sheila's story on @RTELateLateShow gives me hope, wishing Sheila many years with her kidney. I'm looking forward to a new lease of life whenever I get the call".

A second simply said: "Fair play to that woman giving her friend a kidney".

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