Mum gave her kidney to a stranger to save her husband

Susan McDonald, 60, donated her organ so her partner Alan McDonald, 60, would get a lifesaving transplant.

The couple, from Paisley, opted into The UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme after finding out they were not a direct match for each other.

If a patient enters the programme with their loved one, the pair may be matched with another pair in the system so that each recipient receives a kidney from the other’s friend or family member.

Alan was living with kidney disease, and through the UK NHS Living Kidney Sharing Scheme, Susan donated a kidney to a stranger enabling Alan to receive a new kidney. (Image: Colin Mearns)

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They had the surgery cancelled three devastating times due to complications, but three weeks ago finally got the go-ahead at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Susan said: “I didn’t think twice about donating my kidney so Alan could get better.

“I was so disappointed not to be a direct match for him, but when we found out about the organ sharing scheme it was a no brainer right away.

“The system is really fantastic, it meant three people got life saving operations which is really incredible.

“We were nervous before it because it had been cancelled several times which was very hard for us.

“When we were arranged for the fourth time we were anxious up to the last minute in case it got taken away again, but that actually took our mind off the surgery.

“After it I felt really tired and sore, but now I feel I have turned a corner and I am getting better everyday.

"The NHS teams were so great with us they do such a good job.”

Alan and Susan McDonald pictured at home in Ralston, Paisley. (Image: Colin Mearns)

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Alan had initially refused to accept Susan donating her kidney as he feared for her own wellbeing.

He had started struggling with kidney failure around two years ago, after complications with his diabetes, leaving him in constant pain and fatigue.

Susan insisted on helping him and after Alan was reassured by doctors that she would also make a full recovery, he agreed.

Now that they are both on the mend, they are planning to “treat themselves” with a holiday next year to celebrate.

Alan and Susan are planning a special holiday when they are well enough (Image: Colin Mearns)

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Alan said: “At first I didn’t want Susan to have to donate her kidney, I was worried about what that would mean for her.

“I was assured by doctors that her kidney function would be virtually the same and that she would be alright.

“We also haven’t been able to do anything together since my health has not been good, so this opens up a new life for us.

“The first thing we are going to do when we are well enough is go on holiday, we can’t wait.

“We haven’t been abroad in about six years so it has been a long time coming.

“I don’t know where we will go yet but somewhere nice, to treat ourselves.”