BRAVE KEVIN’S A LIFE-SAVER
Dad gives kidney to stranger
A selfless father- of- two has given a complete stranger their life back after donating the woman one of his kidneys.
Kevin Cooper, from Livingston, has become one of only 100 UK altruistic donors each year to donate an organ to an unknown recipient.
Although Kevin doesn’t personally know who he donated his kidney to, he has been told he’s helped save the life of a 50-year-old woman in England. Kevin (35) was back at work for West Lothian Council two weeks after the operation and wants to use his sacrifice to encourage other people to donate, especially blood.
Kevin, who lives in Deans with wife Frances and daughters Destiny (15) and Lexie (5), said: “I’ve donated blood for about 10 years and donated blood platelets for about two years.
“If everyone was able to give a wee bit then no one would have to give a lot.
“Even if people stepped up and just donated blood then everyone is a winner. I’ve spoken to the council about a blood bank and they’ve said they think it’s a great idea.”
Kevin said he felt a bit ill for the first few days after donating his kidney but after hearing the stories of other patients on his ward who had also had kidney transplants, he knew it was worth it. He spent three nights and four days in hospital but is back at work.
Now Kevin is encouraging people to become donors, saying: “If this gets people talking and then donating, it’s a great thing.”
Tony Fleming, Kevin’s manager at West Lothian Council, said: “This is a really selfless act on Kevin’s part and shows the kind of person he is. We were happy to give him the support required and are delighted to have him back at work so quickly. Speaking on behalf of all his colleagues, we are really proud of what he has done.”
Lisa Burnapp, lead nurse for living donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Nearly 300 people died waiting for a kidney transplant last year. Living donation is highly successful and hundreds of people have had their lives saved and transformed over the past decade thanks to the incredible generosity of these donors.”