A week ago The Cherry Tree at Guy’s Hospital was being unveiled. It was a great day. With new plants all around, I am told atrium 2 had never looked better. I hope that patients, staff and families will find it an oasis in the midst of the pressures of hospital life.

And 25 years ago I was at Guy’s as a patient. It was four weeks after my transplant and no sign of the new kidney working. On Good Friday, 13^th, however I was to dialyse for the last time. The kidney was working by Easter Monday.

Although my mind should be focussed on the practical issues of clearing our Kent house before moving to Wales, I find it is racing ahead to my return to Unst. I am getting several new ideas for paintings and how best to show work at Saxavord. I have 2 days in London next week and some places to visit to explore how one or two of my ideas might be shown there. I will report back.

It was the unveiling and dedication yesterday of ‘The Cherry Tree’ at Guy’s Hospital by Alan Titchmarsh and Rowan Williams. I was so glad to be able to honour and pay tribute to all donors of organs for transplantation -  especially the anonymous donor, the friend I never knew,  whose kidney has been my life-saver over the last 25 years. It was good to see again several of the medical professionals whose skill and expertise I have relied upon over the years. My thanks to everyone at the hospital for arranging the event. The cherry tree is made from cut stainless steel. Some has been painted, some has been bent to produce the final effect. The spring blossoming cherry represents new life and I understand a flowering cherry was planted in remembrance of my donor. The work also suggests the cross section of a kidney and the colour change across the work reflects the way a kidney changes colour as it is attached to its new recipient.