Mum’s kidney gift for brave son Milo

New hope for eight-year-old after remarkable transplant

A Fife mother has donated her own kidney for her son’s transplant operation.

Milo Carter and mum Sarah, from Auchtertool, are said to be recovering well following the transplant. The eight-year-old has fought bravely through various health issues and the new kidney should ease his problems significantly.

He underwent emergency heart surgery when just a few days old, has battled cancer twice and had both kidneys removed to save his life.

Early indications are that the transplant has gone well and Milo’s grandparents, Sarah’s parents, Robert and Marion McFarlane, spoke of their pride.

Marion said: “It’s been a very traumatic week but Milo just takes everything in his stride and it’s just unbelievable what he’s been through.

“We call him our little Tonka truck because he just keeps going and going.”

A brave Fife schoolboy is recovering after receiving a new kidney donated by his own mother.

Milo Carter, eight, is said to be doing well following the lengthy transplant operation a few days ago, which saw mum Sarah give a kidney to help her remarkable son.

Milo, from Auchtertool, has been battling adversity throughout his young life, having undergone heart surgery at just five days old, overcoming cancer twice and having both kidneys removed.

The family hopes the sacrifice Sarah has made will mean Milo can have a much better quality of life.

Robert and Marion McFarlane – Milo’s grandparents and Sarah’s parents – revealed the youngster’s father, Kevin, had also been ready and willing to donate a kidney to his son. After that fell through, Sarah stepped into the breach.

Marion said: “It’s been a very traumatic week but Milo just takes everything in his stride and it’s just unbelievable what he’s been through.

“We call him our little Tonka truck because he just keeps going and going.

“We’re so proud of them after all that’s happened.”

At just 72 hours old, Milo suffered heart failure and endured a nine-hour operation to repair his heart.

The anguish did not stop there because the youngster was dealt another blow in April 2013, when he was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour.

The rare and aggressive cancer was in both kidneys and scans also revealed it had spread to his lungs and liver, meaning Milo had to undergo intensive chemotherapy.

Through all of this Milo has been an inspiration, remaining cheery and upbeat. He continues to study hard at school, enjoys playing the piano, attending Beavers and has inspired many fundraisers.

After the family’s latest ordeal, Milo is looking forward to a Pringles party, at which he will be able to enjoy the snack he has been unable to eat for so long.

Milo’s achievements were recognised at Friday night’s Kingdom FM Local Hero Awards, when Robert and Marion picked up the Child of Achievement Award on their grandson’s behalf.

Robert said: “It’s been a little stressful to say the least.

“The first test results say everything is working well so fingers crossed.”

A spokesperson for charity Kidney Kids Scotland posted a picture on social media of Milo eating his first banana in two years and has wished the family well.

“We are so delighted to hear that everything has gone to plan for Milo’s transplant and in Sarah’s words Milo ‘is doing brilliantly’” the spokesperson said.

“We are also very glad to hear that Sarah, who was Milo’s donor, is also recovering well. Transplant will make such a difference to Milo and his family and I am sure you will join with us by wishing them all the very best.”

Milo Carter recovers in hospital after the operation in which he received a kidney from his mother Sarah.

Schoolboy Milo Carter enjoys his first banana for two years after the operation that saw him receive one of his mother’s kidneys.