A groom-to-be shares how receiving a kidney transplant from his father has provided him with a new lease on life. Kieran Innes, from Livingston, West Lothian, underwent nearly two years of dialysis after being diagnosed with stage 5 kidney disease, which he likened to a nightmare. However, following the transplant surgery in March 2024, he has resumed his full-time job as a chef and is eagerly anticipating his upcoming wedding.

Reflecting on the donation ahead of Father's Day, the 27-year-old expressed his gratitude, stating, 'Thanks to my dad, I feel like I've been given a second chance. I can't thank him enough for the incredible gift he gave me, and I'll never be able to express how grateful I am to him.'

In July 2022, Kieran sought medical attention at St John's Hospital in Livingston due to impaired vision, high blood pressure, and severe headaches. Following a diagnosis of stage 5 kidney disease, he began undergoing dialysis three times a week at the hospital. A plea for a potential kidney donor was issued, prompting several close friends and family members to step forward. Ultimately, his father Brian Innes, 63, from Prestonpans in East Lothian, was identified as the best match.

Medics at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh performed the life-saving transplant surgery in March of the following year. Brian shared, 'The donor matching process was relatively straightforward. I discovered my blood group was O positive, making me compatible for Kieran, and as his father, I was a 50% tissue match. When it was confirmed that I could donate, the living donor transplant team provided regular updates and support.'

Since the transplant, Kieran's life has undergone a significant transformation. He remarked, 'The operation not only saved my life but also allowed me to live on my own terms. I can now concentrate on my future with my future wife and starting a family. The period of dialysis and diagnosis feels like a distant memory compared to life post-transplant.'

John Terrace, a consultant transplant surgeon at NHS Lothian, commended the family's story as one of resilience and optimism. He stated, 'We are delighted to witness such a positive outcome for Kieran, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Brian for his selflessness and desire to provide his son with a new beginning. Living donors have a profound impact on individuals' lives.'