Former Drug Addict Donates Life-Saving Kidney To Officer Who Jailed Her

A former drug addict in the US has donated a life-saving kidney to a retired police officer who 'locked her up a couple of times'.

Jocelynn James, from Russellville, Alabama, was arrested 16 times for theft and drug charges between 2007 and 2012, according to Fox 11.

The 40-year-old was 'lost' in a vicious cycle, and officer Terrell Potter was the one to arrest her on several occasions.

Fast-forward to the present day and it's been eight years since Jocelynn was behind bars or used drugs - and now she's saved Terrell's life.

The former cop's kidney was failing, functioning at only five percent, and doctors told him he faced a seven to eight-year wait for a new one. He subsequently posted a desperate appeal on Facebook and none other than Jocelynn answered his call.

Fox 11

Reflecting on the moment she saw his plea, Jocelynn told WVTM 13: "I just threw my phone down and the Holy Spirit told me right then that I had that man's kidney."

Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville did tests to assess their compatibility, and sure enough, they told Jocelynn they had 'never had a better match for a kidney transplant'.

On 21 July, the unlikely pair underwent the operation and it was a resounding success. Now, Terrell credits the former 'Most Wanted List' member with saving his life.

He said: "If you asked me 100 names of who may give me a kidney, her name would have not been on the list. It's just unbelievable that she was willing to do that.

"It's made a great relationship and a bond between us that can go forever. There's no doubt about that. Her giving me a kidney, it extended my life.

"I'm very thankful to be alive because I should be dead."

WVTM 13

Jocelynn now runs a nonprofit program called The Place of Grace for addicts seeking recovery and she hopes her story will inspire others not to give up.

She said: "I want people to realise that there is help out there for them. It doesn't matter what happens in your life. You can always turn it around.

"For God to use me as a vessel to extend Mr. Potter's life is my greatest accomplishment.

"I should be dead. Instead, God helped me save a life. I am overwhelmed."

The inspiring story has emerged as the UK celebrates Organ Donation Week in the UK for the first time since England moved to an opt-out system.

You can learn more about Organ Donation Week here.

Topics: Awesome, Daily Ladness, Community

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey