Busted star James Bourne has shared that the gift of a kidney from his brother “saved his life” following health problems, highlighting the generosity and impact of living kidney donors.
James said that his brother “saved his life yet again” with the donation, after poor health forced him to pull out of his band’s arena tour last year.
James did not reveal details of his condition, but said it was serious (“doctors had told me I had a few years left to live”) and called his brother a "hero".
James is absolutely right, his brother is a hero. As are all of those who step forward to be an organ donor for family, friends or even someone they have never even met. We’re pleased that he didn’t need to wait until the year 3000 to receive his transplant, as the kidney waiting list is the longest it’s ever been – so it’s great to see his brother has stepped in to help and was a match. We are very happy for James and Chris, we’re glad to hear they are recovering well, and we hope that James is able to get back to living his life to the full with his brother’s kidney soon.Fiona Loud, Policy Director at Kidney Care UK
Figures released by NHS Blood and Transplant in August revealed that the waiting list for people needing an organ transplant has continued to grow, with over 7,200 people waiting for a kidney, including over 100 children.
Donations from living donors usually last longer than those from people who have died, and have fewer risks and are more likely to start working straight away.
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