Mum's second gift of life

Suzanne Nicholson and Chris.

Weight-loss journey got boost when son needed a kidney.

On August 19, Suzanne Nicholson gave her son Christopher life - for the second time on that date.

Twenty-seven years ago on August 19 she gave birth to the elder of her two children. This year she gave him one of her kidneys.

The 58-year-old has been named the Curves Curvette of the Year, celebrating the improvements she has made to her own health by losing 13kg and the gift she gave to her son.

The Hamilton mum's weight-loss journey began six years ago, after a trip to the doctor revealed she was pre-diabetic.

Nicholson is blind in one eye and has poor sight in the other and the loss of confidence was keeping her housebound more than was healthy. Her weight was rising and she did not feel good.

She started walking with friends and joined Curves, a fitness chain for women. She lost weight at first but then put some back on.

The turning point came two years ago. Christopher's health - he was diagnosed with a rare kidney condition at the age of 13 - worsened. Nicholson, a match for a kidney transplant, decided to lift her efforts.

"Christopher's condition deteriorated to the point they said, 'You're on the transplant list'. That gave me the extra boost I needed. My goal was to give Christopher the healthiest kidney I could.."

Her efforts were supported by her family and friends, fellow gym-goers and the owner of Curves Chartwell, Pamela Lansdown.

She lost about 10kg in the year before the transplant. She was no longer pre-diabetic, felt happier and more confident, and had helped her son, she said.

"I'm fitter than I've been for a long time. You have a different outlook on life and my dresses and skirts fit again.

"But it is just such a neat thing to see Christopher so well now. He's filled out, he's this big man now. Because of transplant, he is able to start his dream job as a trainee anaesthetic technician."

The Curvette of the Year competition recognises members who have reached health and weight milestones and overcome challenges.