A primary school teacher who donated one of his kidneys to a lifelong friend has been recognised with a staff award celebrating his inspirational impact on colleagues and pupils.
Matt Thornhill, who teaches Year 3 at Newbarns, received the Inspirational Innovator award at the South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust Staff Awards 2026 after being nominated by colleagues who described him as ‘sunshine in human form’.
Headteacher Victoria Fitzgibbons presented the award during a whole-school assembly, where Matt was cheered by pupils and staff.
She said: “Matt has been a breath of fresh air since joining the school.
“He is a fun and enthusiastic teacher and his students adore him. Matt’s love for teaching and his joy for life are truly inspirational.”
Earlier this year, Matt donated a kidney to his close friend Ben Green who he met while training to become a teacher in Ambleside more than 20 years ago.
The transplant was successful and both men are recovering well. Matt’s remaining kidney is functioning normally while his friend’s health has improved significantly following the operation.
Matt said he never viewed his decision as extraordinary.
He said: “I don’t see it as a big thing. I just wanted to help a friend in need. I knew he would need a transplant at some point because of a lifelong condition. I’d made a promise to him all those years ago, and I wanted to keep it.”
Back in the classroom, Matt has already turned his experience into a valuable learning opportunity for his pupils.
He added: “The children have been learning about fractions and percentages, so I’ve been able to use examples from my own kidney function and recovery to help explain mathematical concepts in a way that’s easier to understand.”
By sharing his story, Matt hopes to raise awareness of living kidney donation and encourage others to learn more about the lifechanging opportunities it can offer people facing serious illness.
He said the following websites were helpful as he made his decision to donate: NHS organ donation and Give a Kidney.
