Heroic Transplant Dad Saves Son's Life

Jack Gallacher is back building JCB diggers alongside his dad after receiving the ultimate Christmas present. Jack, 21, of Werrington, needed a kidney transplant after going into chronic renal failure last November and had to undergo daily dialysis in hospital. Dad Steve, 51, was identified as a suitable kidney donor enabling a transplant to take place four days before Christmas.

The pair have returned to JCB’s Earthmovers factory in Cheadle less than three months after Jack underwent major surgery to transplant the kidney. Jack said: "Life is back to normal. I feel great and just have to go to a clinic every fortnight. My dad has been a real lifesaver and I’m really chuffed he did this for me."
 
Now Jack and Steve are urging more members of the public to carry donor cards after the success of their own operations. Steve said: "It just goes to show what a terrific job these people do under such difficult constraints. It is only when you have direct dealings with transplantation that you realise how much support the organ donor programme needs."

Jack's kidney problem was discovered two and a half years ago, his condition was stabilised with medication but it worsened dramatically. Steve, of Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, had been tested for kidney compatibility by then and quickly decided he would donate. Transplant organisers at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire organised what has become the quickest transplant the county has seen and surgery took place at in Birmingham four days before Christmas.
 
Steve said: "Any father would do this for their son, I'm just pleased to have given him back a quality of life. I’m particularly thankful to Annette Oliver, the Kidney Transplant Co-ordinator at the University Hospital. She was fantastic, even to the extent of driving results to Birmingham. JCB have also been fantastic, I can't praise the company enough for their support throughout this process."

Annette Oliver, Kidney Transplant Co-ordinator, said: "We are delighted when people choose to join the organ donation list, which could help to save lives after their death. If it is something you want to do, please put yourself on the organ donor register because otherwise your family will not know how you feel."

You can register on the donor programme on-line by visiting www.organdonation.nhs.uk or phoning 0300 1232323.

Pictured: Jack Gallacher, Annette Oliver, Steve Gallacher (courtesy of JCB)