Kidney transplant for man who had tried to be donor for his sister

AN Angus man has told of his joy after receiving a kidney transplant for Christmas – 12 years after trying to donate one of his own to save his sister’s life.

Gavin Frost, 30, found he had the same condition as his sister Carrieann when offering to help her in 2008.

While she found a perfect match five years ago, Gavin had to wait until now.

He was receiving 15 hours of dialysis per week but was recently whisked away for a sudden deceaseddonor transplant.

He left hospital just days before Christmas after a successful operation and vowed the incredible gift “will never be topped”.

“I can never repay this person or their family,” he said. “I am really happy but I’m also sad because it means they have lost someone they loved.”

In 2008 doctors found Gavin, like Carrieann, 38, had chronic renal failure (CRF) and reflux, which significantly impairs kidney function.

He was also diagnosed with Gitelman syndrome, a rare illness that prevents the absorption of some nutrients. Gavin was left unable to work due to the three-times-weekly dialysis, which left him with barely any energy.

A surprise call from the NHS on December 16 saw him picked up in a taxi at 5am and taken to hospital in Edinburgh for the surgery.

He is now back home with his wife Shannon while they look after her mother in Arbroath.

Gavin said: “My life was basically going to dialysis and sleeping. It was tough.

“This person has given me back something I had lost. I will be forever grateful. Organ donors have saved both my life and my sister’s life.”

From March 26, laws around organ donation in Scotland will change.

If someone dies in circumstances where they could be a donor and have not recorded a donation decision, it may be assumed they are willing to donate their organs and tissue for transplantation.

Gavin added: “I hope the family that helped me can be proud of what I am doing.”

Gavin Frost