In a heartwarming gesture, a father recently donated his kidney to his son in need. Alex Roberts, a 34-year-old from Huddersfield, was diagnosed with an auto-immune condition that left him facing end-stage kidney disease. The only options for Alex were a transplant or a life-long dialysis treatment. His father, Dr. John Roberts, 66, decided to step in and donate his kidney. The surgery took place at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds, and now both father and son are on the road to recovery.
For John, the decision to donate his kidney was a clear one. He expressed that it gave him a reason to “slow down” and live a healthier life. Reflecting on the experience, John shared, “I’m more grateful to Alex, though I know my kidney has given Alex a new lease of life.” John underwent a series of tests to ensure his eligibility for donation, likening the process to a “computer game” as he progressed through various health checks. The final tests took place in January 2025, leading up to the operation on 4th March.
On the day of the transplant, John arrived at the hospital early in the morning, following the necessary preparatory guidelines. He recalled the experience as surreal, especially considering his previous training at the same hospital decades ago. The transplant surgery lasted about three hours, with John waking up to a few bars of chocolate. While he is still adjusting to having one kidney, John shared that he is gradually regaining his strength. Looking ahead, he remains optimistic, hoping the donated kidney will last for many years to come.
A week after the operation, both father and son are experiencing improvements in their health. Alex expressed his gratitude for the transplant, stating that he is already feeling better and able to enjoy foods he had to avoid previously. Both Alex and John hope that sharing their story will inspire others to consider becoming living donors. Currently, there are 430 people waiting for a kidney transplant and 81 awaiting a liver transplant in Leeds. The act of organ donation can truly make a life-changing impact, as seen in the touching bond between this father and son
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