A PRIVILEGE TO SHARE THIS TALE OF TRUE BROTHERLY LOVE

BLOOD, we often hear, is thicker than water. Thankfully, though, few people will ever have to demonstrate the truth of this commonplace phrase in quite the way that Rob Biddulph is doing.

The 25-year-old Screwfix warehouse worker, from Eaton Park, is donating a kidney to his twin brother Daniel, whose organs have been afflicted with disease since he was 13.

This selfless action, as the pair reveal on Page 4 of today’s newspaper, will mean Daniel can avoid years of gruelling dialysis treatment.

Dialysis is a treatment that filters and purifies the blood using a machine. It keeps vital fluids and electrolytes in balance when the kidneys can’t do it themselves.

It’s a remarkable process that has extended the lives of many people suffering from kidney disease.

But the treatment can only partially compensate for the loss of kidney function.

And there are side-effects. These can include chronic tiredness, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, anxiety and difficulties falling and staying asleep. Patients can also be at greater risk of contracting the potentially fatal condition sepsis.

Furthermore, the treatment can only help to manage the condition. It isn’t a cure.

But human beings can also live a full life with only one kidney.

And as Rob is a ‘perfect match’ to be a donor, he was in no doubt that he wanted to help. “I just knew straight away that it was the right thing to do,” he says.

This means Daniel – who describes himself as overwhelmed by what Rob is doing – will, assuming the operation is a success, be spared a good deal of medical intervention.

But not only has Rob come to the aid of his twin, the brothers are also helping other patients, raising £3,000 for Kidney Research UK at a fundraiser at The Ashwood pub.

In these difficult times, it is a privilege to be able to share a heartwarming story such as this. Rob and Daniel, we wish you all the best.