Her brother Christopher Sandford was diagnosed as HIV positive in London in 1984 and he was given two years to live. His partner of 10 years, whom Zoe considered an “adopted brother”, died in 1986.

“In a UK newsletter, my brother Chris said living through the 80s was not a pleasant experience,” Zoe said.

“He described it as a witch hunt - the hunt for a scapegoat. A whole generation grew up scarred by the images of volcanoes and tombstones and the sound of John Hurt’s voice warning of Armageddon. This was the period when HIV was demonised.

“There were car stickers; STAMP OUT AIDS, KILL A QUEER. Headlines read: ‘God’s Punishment’. There was fear of losing your job. People were hounded out of their homes. Chris said there was “shit through the letterbox” and people believed you could get AIDS from tears and touching. The media had a field day.”

And so Chris began 30 years of specialist visits, drug trials, heavy medication and watching more friends die, including another long-term partner.

Living in Australia, all Zoe could do was pray and “Chris’s spirit fought back”.

“He became involved in fundraising and helped organise a support group,” Zoe said.

“Chris joined drug trials - and cried when the results were so appallingly negative. He educated and fought for benefits and rights, at a time when gay partners had no rights whatsoever. He started charities, support groups, political pressure groups; went on marches, lobbied, started financial and legal advice centres, drop-in centres, specialist wards with sympathetic nurses and doctors.

“It took years, and years, and years, but finally civil partnership was introduced and protection under the law for those living with HIV.”

Zoe said Chris is blessed with a new lease of life and a new path bringing freedom and justice to many people marginalised by their medical condition.

He retired from his successful 40-year career as a freelance director in the London theatre scene to dedicate his time to supporting HIV sufferers.

“He now is a patient representative at the Bloomsbury Clinic, Mortimer Market Centre in London, and known as one of the longest living survivors of HIV in Britain,” Zoe said.

“Chris utilises his personal experience to give hope to those sufferers who felt they had none. He is a valuable member of the professorial team and is called to speak at medical conferences throughout Europe.”

But years of strong prescribed medication has irreparably damaged his kidneys and this is where Zoe fits in – literally.

“For me it was an easy decision to offer to be a living kidney donor for Chris, not only because he is “family” but also to prolong the life of someone who has given so much hope to so many who have suffered,” she said.

“The sense of calling to share my life was overwhelming and instantaneous. No part of my being said no!

“I prayed for confirmation and affirmation which became apparent through the consent and support of my husband, family, friends and medical specialists.”

Organ donation in Australia has been fairly sketchy. However, following the ‘Donate Life’ campaign in 2015, the statistics have improved. In 2015, Minister for Health Jillian Skinner announced record numbers of deceased organ donors.

The State’s Organ and Tissue Donation Service figures noted 127 deceased organ donors surpassing the previous record of 102 donors in 2013 and exceeding the 2015 target of 116 donors.

The 127 donors enabled 379 organs to be transplanted. There was also a boost in tissue donations in NSW in 2015, including 669 corneal transplants to restore sight, as well as heart valve transplants to correct malformations and bone and tendon donations for spinal fusions and treatments after cancer, trauma and sports injuries.

“Last year was a remarkable year for organ and tissue donation. At a time of immense grief and distress, a record number of NSW families chose to give the gift of life to someone in need,” Ms Skinner said. “Organ and tissue donation saves and transforms lives – one donor can save up to 10 lives and improve the lives of many more.”

Zoe and Chris underwent simultaneous transplant-donor operations at the Royal Free Hospital, London, on June 8.

The procedure was a success and now, back in Bellingen, Zoe is on a mission to encourage everyone to consider registering to be an organ donor.

“As a living kidney donor, my motivation is Jesus Christ, family and the love I have for my brother,” Zoe said.

“By giving of my excess, he may live and continue to work to bring compassion and hope to many people. Many lives may be saved.

“Wales has an ‘opt out’ system – organs are automatically taken from a deceased person unless they have registered their withdrawal on the Welsh organ donation register – this system is one I’d like to see brought to Australia.

“I want to change our cultural awareness – to think of organ donation as the norm,” she said.

“There are about 1600 Australians on the waiting list for organ donations at any one time, but only 435 deceased donors last year – this is nowhere near enough donors.

“The risks to a living kidney or liver donor are minimal because of the thorough work-up. There are no risks for a deceased donor, but a wonderful opportunity for death to give new life!

“I encourage everyone to consider registering to be an organ donor. This requires talking to family and friends first about your wishes and then registering with the Australian Organ and Tissue Authority through their website www.donatelife.gov.au