The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Critically ill Leo is now ‘full of energy’ after kidney transplant from mother
An eight-year-old boy who fell severely ill with kidney failure is “back on his feet and full of energy” after having a successful transplant from his mother.
Leo Mcfaulds contracted an E coli infection along with his brother Samuel, four, in May last year and the pair developed a rare and life-threatening disease.
Both boys were struck down by haemolytic uraemic syndrome, which leads to anaemia and kidney shutdown, and were urgently transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow for life-saving dialysis.
Samuel made a full recovery but Leo remained in hospital for months and required dialysis three times a week.
His mother Louise, 40, then had one of her kidneys removed and transplanted successfully into her son in mid-february.
Mrs Mcfaulds and the boys’ father, sales engineer Anthony, 46, believe the children may have contracted E coli on a countryside walk in the Highlands.
Primary school teacher Mrs Mcfaulds said: “It was an awful time for our family as it came on so suddenly.
“But his bravery and optimism through this has been inspiring.”
Mrs Mcfaulds praised the “wonderful” doctors and nurses, adding: “We know there will be bumps in the road ahead, but to look back six months, to compare where we are now, it’s a miracle really.
“Leo now has his life back and we’ll be counting the small milestones... as victories and we will never take any of these happy family moments for granted in future.”