Family thank readers for help to find donor
New kidney search
A Lanarkshire family have thanked Advertiser readers for their help following an appeal to find a living kidney donor.
Allan Mcgowan (24) was born with ‘Alport Syndrome’ which means that he experiences progressive loss of kidney function.
His kidneys were only working at 25 per cent of what they should be last Christmas, and have dropped rapidly to seven per cent over the year.
And the young dad-of-one has been told to look for a living kidney donor as he is currently on dialysis three days per week, for over four hours each day.
Allan, who has a young family, made an online appeal to try and increase his chances of getting a donor.
His partner Coleen (21) spoke to the Advertiser and thanked us for the coverage on their story.
She said: “Since the article, we have had loads of messages from people wishing us luck and also loads willing to get tested for being a match. Honestly, thanks so much to the Advertiser for helping us on our search.
“We just can’t thank everyone enough, the article has made a huge difference.
“It has put our minds more at rest knowing that there are people out there willing to help. Even though none of them may be a match, it makes it a lot easier knowing people care.
“There have been people from all over who are willing to go through the process to get tested to become living donors for not only Allan but for others that are also needing the help. We’re so glad the Advertiser put it out there for us. We are definitely overwhelmed with all the messages and help.”
The Bellshill couple are looking for a living donor as a kidney from a living donor can last up to 20 years and has less problems.
For more information, visit www.organdonationscotland.org.