Moving tributes have been paid to an inspirational Hull mum who fought to ‘live her life to the fullest’ as she battled kidney disease for decades. Michelle Barber, of Bransholme, has died at the age of 45, having fought against the odds for 30 years.
She was just 15 when she was first diagnosed with kidney failure, thereby beginning an endless cycle of hospital visits, dialysis and no less than four transplants.
Despite her condition, the Bransholme mum, who had two sons, Rhys, 25, and Tyler, 23, was determined to grab every opportunity she could and to enjoy experiences with friends, family and a fulfilling career at a GP surgery in Beverley. Family, friends and even a former consultant have told how Michelle’s life was one of extraordinary strength, determination and resilience.
The former Winifred Holtby pupil underwent four kidney transplants throughout her life – receiving kidneys from both her mum Vanessa and dad Kevin – and spent many years on dialysis. She also achieved what many thought would be impossible – becoming one of the few women ever to become pregnant during kidney dialysis, and she even survived at one stage thanks to an infusion of antibodies from a rabbit.
As her loved ones prepare to say a final farewell to Michelle at next week’s funeral, they marvelled at her determination and enthusiasm for life, telling how she brought ‘something magical’ into the lives of everyone she met.
Her mum Vanessa, 59, said: “Michelle just had a beautiful personality. She’s just done everything that’s been thrown at and she was so independent. She’s fought and fought and fought. From the very first time she got put on dialysis at the age of 15 she said ‘you don’t need to learn anything, Mum. I’m fully in control. I can take myself on the machine, and I can take myself off the machine’.
“She went on to have the boys, which was a total miracle. She went through college, university, and had a fantastic job at the doctor’s surgery in Beverley, and when she was healthy her life was organised. It was only the last two years that things took a drastic turn. Eventually her blood pressure dropped severely so she couldn’t stay on dialysis for as long as she needed, and she started to get infections.
“It was heartbreaking for the doctor as well because she’d known Michelle for years, since the boys were little. She said, ‘Michelle, we have to stop now, nothing’s working anymore’. But oh, my goodness me, did she put a fight up.
“She had the most outstanding, strong personality. When she walked into a room people immediately noticed her, she was so confident and there was something magical about her. She was just infectious to people.”
Michelle’s friendship group included five close friends who grew up together on the same street in Hull. One of the group, Kerry Saxby, recalled how, two years ago, Michelle was told there was nothing more doctors could do because her veins had collapsed following years of treatment and she had been back on dialysis for over a year.
She said: “In true Michelle fashion, she refused to give up. She fought for an operation to place a dialysis line directly into her heart — a procedure that had never been performed in Hull. That gave Michelle another two precious years filled with memories alongside her sons, nieces, nephews and friends.
“Along the way she’s taught and educated herself so she was able to challenge doctors and push them to do things that sometimes they didn’t want to do. We’re so proud of her and all she’s achieved. We’re on a mission now to make sure that she has the most amazing send off.
“There’s a million words I could use to describe her – she was an inspiration and the strongest person ever. Michelle inspired countless people throughout her life and became a hero to many.”
Michelle’s mother was also left fighting back tears when Professor Sunil Bhandari, consultant at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, sent his condolences in a moving letter, which said: “Over the years, despite the many obstacles and adversities she faced, she always remained remarkably positive, resilient and full of warmth. Michelle approached life with great courage and determination, and I believe she truly lived life to the fullest. It was a huge privilege to serve as one of her doctors.”
Michelle Barber’s funeral takes place on Friday, June 12 at 1.30pm at Chanterlands Crematorium in Hull.
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