Police officer who relayed news of son's death to woman formed a lasting bond with her — then stepped up when she needed a kidney
Friendships don’t wait for the right time or place; they can begin in the most unexpected moments. Tim Swinburn from Melksham in Wiltshire and Clare Brixey from Standerwick in Somerset first met in 2004 during a moment of tragedy that would mark both their lives forever. Swinburn, then a police officer, had to knock on Brixey's door to deliver devastating news about her 20-year-old son, Ashley, who had died in a car accident. Despite that heartbreaking beginning, a connection formed between them, built on trust, understanding, and years of shared experiences. As reported by the BBC on November 26, 2025, their story showed how compassion can transform lives.
Years later, their bond led to a life-saving decision. Brixey, who had been living with kidney failure and had already received a transplant that was now failing, needed another one. Without hesitation, Swinburn offered her his own kidney. “Giving the gift of life, to me, it’s just a human thing to do,” he said. “Anyone with a heart would give something to keep someone else alive.” Brixey recalled his determination, saying, “He told me, ‘You’re going to have one of mine, and I won’t take no as an answer.’” Over 18 months, they went through all the necessary tests and preparations. In October 2025, the transplant was successfully carried out at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, taking four hours and giving Brixey a new lease on life.
Both Swinburn and Brixey recovered well after the procedure. Swinburn returned to work as a support worker at The Salvation Army’s Swindon Booth House, having resigned from Wiltshire Police in 2007, while Brixey embraced activities she had not enjoyed in years, including horseback riding. Reflecting on their friendship, Brixey said, “[He’s a] man in a million. He was my family liaison officer, the person who knocked on my door to tell me my son had been killed in a road traffic collision. We just seemed to gel, and we’ve been friends for 21 years.” Swinburn added, “Clare is one of those special people. We've joked over the years that we are like siblings. Over my life, I’ve had my ups and downs, and she’s been there for me, and vice versa.” Swinburn also mentioned how Brixey kept hesitating for such a big favor, constantly asking, "Are you sure?" but he was sure from the beginning.
The story has also inspired both of them to give back. They are planning fundraisers for transplant-related charities to help others in similar situations. Swinburn said his family, including his children, supported his decision fully. “There was no question in my mind. To know she is out there riding her horse again, to see her out there with her granddaughter and daughter, that's the reason I did it,” he said. Brixey described him as “such a compassionate man, very easy to talk to, and supportive to our family,” highlighting how a friendship born from tragedy evolved into something life-changing.
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