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The Happy Pod: Donating my kidney transformed a child's life

A living organ donor tells us about the joy of meeting the young stranger who received her kidney. His family tracked her down to thank the 'angel' who transformed their lives.

We hear about a rare meeting between a living organ donor and the child whose life was transformed by receiving her kidney. Aly Coyle says she was delighted to see five-year-old Xaviar happy and healthy after the transplant. His parents tracked her down through social media to say thank you, and describe her as an angel who is now part of their family.

Also, how a new machine could dramatically increase the number of liver transplants, by improving the way the organs are stored outside the body.

A media company run for and by young disabled people that is hoping to challenge stereotypes and promote discussion.

A grand prix with a difference - why cows, and their riders, race through a small Swiss village.

Plus, the newly rediscovered works of Bach that have been performed for the first time in over three hundred years. And why more men are taking up knitting.

Presenter: Vanessa Heaney
Music: Iona Hampson

(Photo: Aly Coyle with Xaviar (the boy who received her kidney) who is now six. Credit: Xaviar鈥檚 family)

Available now

27 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Sat 22 Nov 2025 19:32GMT
  • Sun 23 Nov 2025 01:32GMT
  • Sun 23 Nov 2025 04:32GMT
  • Sun 23 Nov 2025 14:32GMT
  • Fri 28 Nov 2025 00:32GMT