Tag: kidney donation

Dad’s Gift of Life: Father Donates Kidney to Save His Son

A loving dad has given his son an amazing second chance by donating his kidney to save him from an incurable disease.

James MacDonald, 57, gave his son the gift of life after Craig, 28, developed chronic kidney failure.

The disease had reduced Craig’s kidney function by a staggering 92% and his mum, dad, older sister and several extended family members stepped forward to save him from a future on dialysis.

James emerged as the most compatible match and the pair, from Livingston, West Lothian, underwent the lifesaving transplant operation at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in February last year.

Now in time to celebrate World Kidney Day, Craig has made a full recovery, returned to work with his dad and the golfing buddies are closer than ever before.

James, a Manufacturer at a packaging company, said: “Craig and I are really close. We have worked together for many years, and I just wanted to give Craig his life back.

“I didn’t think twice about it and I think any father would want to do that for their child.”

Craig added: “I’m so thankful to my family, to my dad and to the transplant team for saving my life. The transplant experience has brought me and my dad even closer together.”

Craig’s journey with kidney issues began in childhood, but it wasn’t until a family holiday in 2021 that his symptoms became clearer. His mum noticed his ankles were swollen and insisted he see a doctor.

After visiting his GP, Craig was swiftly admitted to St John’s Hospital in Livingston with extremely high blood pressure as he was at risk of having a stroke.

Craig went on to be diagnosed with IgA nephropathyin November 2021 and was put on dialysis in October 2022. He said: “It was really scary being admitted to hospital so quickly and then being told that my kidney function was declining rapidly. I didn’t feel unwell which made it even more disconcerting.

“I felt way too young for this to happen and there was so much more I wanted to achieve in my life.”

James was identified as the optimal donor and in 2023, Craig and his dad underwent the lifesaving kidney transplant.

Craig’s mother, Carol, said: “I felt so helpless having my husband and my son in surgery. I was pacing up and down the hospital corridors just waiting to hear whether they were both okay.”

The operation was a success and within days, the transplant began making a visible difference to Craig.

James said: “He looked significantly healthier after the surgery – his face just lit up. “Before the operation, his kidneys were functioning at 8% and after one day post-surgery, his kidneys were up at 21%, it was amazing.

“Seeing him healthy and happy was the greatest reward any father could ask for.”

Since the operation, Craig has returned to work with his dad at the packaging company the pair go golfing regularly.

Craig said: “I’m now able to do what I want and I can finally lead a normal life. I’m just back from a golfing holiday with my dad and the experience has ignited an excitement within me for exploring the world more.

“I’ve been given a second chance and I want to enjoy every minute.”

Nina Kunkel-Howden, Live Donor Transplant Coordinator, NHS Lothian, said: “Craig’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of living kidney donation. Living donors really do change lives.

“We wish him and his family the very best.”

For details about organ donation, visit (opens a new window):

www.livingdonationscotland.org

Three brothers’ lives saved by kidney donors

Three brothers with a rare genetic kidney disorder have all now received life-saving kidney transplants within three years of each other, thanks to organ donors across the UK.

John, Bill and Robert Whiteford all suffer from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADKPKD) – a genetic degenerative illness which sees kidney function gradually decrease to the point of failure, meaning all would have required ongoing dialysis.

Luckily, thanks to donors, the brothers all have a brand new lease of life, and a new kidney, with John Whiteford successfully receiving his transplant last week at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, following seven months of dialysis.  

Each brother received their kidney through separate routes – each with their own unique story – but all being reliant on donors.

Mr Marc Clancy, lead consultant for transplant surgery at NHSGGC, who also performed John’s transplant, said: “The three brothers highlight the different routes people can receive transplants and we’re delighted to have been part of the process for John and Bill, as well as John’s daughter Sonia’s kidney donation. Furthermore, it’s fantastic to see them all recovering, albeit at different stages, and we wish them well for the future.

“Across NHSGGC we’ve been fortunate in being able to maintain a full kidney transplant service across the West of Scotland Renal Transplant Centre. This means a total of 224 transplants have taken place since April 2020.

“Thanks to the new opt-in rules which came into effect earlier this year we expect the numbers of transplants to take place across the UK to increase upwards of 30% over the next 5 years. This is fantastic news for our patients, and despite the pandemic, we are in a strong position within NHSGGC and anticipate similar growth in figures within our own service.” 

Meet the brothers

John Whiteford – received a kidney through the Living Kidney Sharing Scheme

John, who was discharged earlier this week, received his transplant at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, thanks to his daughter Sonia who was not a match, but was happy to donate her kidney as part of the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme. The scheme means if a donor is unable to donate directly, as was the case here, they are registered in a national scheme which matches them up with other pairs throughout the UK. This means Sonia’s kidney helped save a life elsewhere, while another donor’s kidney was given to John.

The retired minister, who is married with four children, is looking forward to getting his life back on track, and especially to spending time back in Sweden where his wife is from. 

John said:  “I am massively thankful to everyone working in dialysis and in the transplant arena. The team at the QEUH was excellent throughout and the care has been second to none. 

“I couldn’t believe it when I was matched, it really is life changing news. The dialysis keeps me alive but I’m tethered to a machine three days per week and you’re energy levels are low. Transplant is the long-term solution and I’m incredibly thankful to my daughter Sonia, and to the UK Living Kidney Scheme.” 

Daughter and 38 year old mum of two, Sonia, said: “The Living Kidney Sharing scheme has allowed me to help my dad and that is a huge privilege and an amazing thing to be part of.

“I can already see him getting better and his kidney function is improving every day. There’s a real feeling of joy and relief at the same time, and while I was only discharged this week, I’m already feeling my energy levels returning. As a mum of two getting that back fully is essential! 

“The genetic condition which runs in our family means 50% of us will have kidney issues so we really are all in this together, and it’s inspiring to see how well programmes like the Living Kidney Sharing scheme work in practice.”

Bill Whiteford – received a kidney from a friend 

Retired BBC journalist Bill Whiteford is well on his way to recovery having received his kidney two weeks ago at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (07/08/21). Bill was lucky enough to have a friend who turned out to be a match.

Bill, who worked for the BBC for years, presenting the likes of Good Morning Scotland and BBC Drivetime, commented: “First and foremost I am grateful to my friend. It’s a massive decision to give up a kidney and I am humbled for his support, without which, I would inevitably still be on the waiting list and fast approaching the need for regular dialysis.

“I’d urge everyone to consider donating an organ – whether that’s through the living donor programmes or by having that important conversation with family to let them know your organ donation wishes in the event you pass away.”

Robert Whiteford – received his kidney from an altruistic donor through the Living Kidney Sharing Scheme

Robert, 67, was the first of the brothers to receive a kidney transplant. The retired vet who stays in Scone also received his kidney through the Living Kidney Sharing Scheme, with ex-wife Linda donating her kidney as part of the process. Luckily Robert was matched up in the first round of checks which meant he was able to avoid going on to dialysis.  Three years on and he remains extremely grateful to Linda and the altruistic donor he was matched with through the programme.

Robert said: “I started developing symptoms around 10 years ago, and following a scan it was confirmed that I had the condition. Following that, my kidney function gradually fell to 8% but luckily through the programme I was matched very quickly.

“I’m extremely thankful to Linda and the altruistic donor, who joined the Kidney Sharing programme and helped facilitated my transplant, and others.

“I would tell anyone who is considering donating to a friend or loved one, to seriously consider the programme – even if you’re not a match, by donating your kidney you can ensure your loved one is matched with someone else.”