A pair of brothers have become the latest family members to undergo a life-changing kidney operation at a hospital in Oxford.

Jeremy and Christopher Schuman have become the sixth set of siblings to take part in living donor kidney transplantation at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford.

Christopher donated his kidney to Jeremy almost 15 years after their youngest brother Philip gave a kidney to their sister Susan.

Jeremy told his siblings about his medical circumstances.

He said requesting any of them to become a donor was something he could never do – that would be an impossible thing to ask.

Nevertheless, the family maintains extremely close bonds, so it came as no surprise when his brothers and sisters offered their assistance.

Jeremy developed polycystic kidney disease in his thirties, an inherited condition that also affects his sister Susan.

The disorder results in cyst formation on the kidneys, gradually reducing their ability to filter waste from the bloodstream.

By early 2025, Jeremy’s kidney function had declined to less than 10 percent.

Both Christopher and their sister Sarah volunteered to be assessed as potential donors.

Sarah turned out to be unsuitable as a match, while Christopher proved compatible.

He explained that once he discovered he was compatible, everything became far clearer.

He could not fathom why he would refuse to help his brother.

If positions were swapped, he would fully expect Jeremy to be prepared to donate to him.

Jeremy reported that the results were immediate.

He observed that the day following the procedure, his kidney function had risen significantly. The subsequent day brought another doubling.

Within seven days he had regained normal kidney function, and every symptom he had been experiencing had vanished.

The siblings’ introduction to kidney donation happened roughly 15 years earlier when Philip donated his kidney to Susan.

Philip recalled that the decision to give his kidney was not easy, yet he recognised it was essential – something their parents would have approved of.

Fifteen years on, he continues to enjoy good health, and it remains among the most important actions he has ever taken.

Susan explained how the operation completely changed her life.

She said the procedure gave her existence back.

The impact spread beyond herself to her entire family, particularly her children.

The Schuman family conveyed their gratitude to the medical staff at the Churchill Hospital.

Christopher noted that they placed complete trust in the surgical team, particularly given the established track record of successful kidney transplants at OUH.

Professor Andrew Brent, chief medical officer at Oxford University Hospitals, expressed appreciation to the family for sharing their experience.

He said his thanks went to Jeremy, Christopher, Susan, and Philip for openly describing their family’s journey.

Their accounts illustrate the profound impact living kidney donation can have, not merely for patients but for whole families.