Wester Ross fish farmer (23) offers stepdad gift of life with kidney donation
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WHEN a Wester Ross fish farmer saw his seriously sick stepdad's health rapidly deteriorate, he put himself forward to offer the ultimate gift.
Willie Urquhart's kidney problems were first diagnosed two years ago.
His health declined to such an extent that he needed regular gruelling sessions of dialysis, a procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly.
The situation meant that Mr Urquhart was placed on the kidney donor waiting list which, in the UK, can be up to three years.
Tragically, hundreds of people die every year while waiting for a suitable kidney from a deceased donor.
With no donor forthcoming and the Mr Urquhart requiring up to 15 hours of dialysis every week, his stepson Finlay Hitchings (23) began investigating whether he could help or not.
The 23-year-old has a husbandry role and specialism in health and safety working for Scottish Sea Farms in the Summer Isles.
Mr Hitchings recalled: "My stepdad’s kidney problems were diagnosed a couple of years ago and deteriorated fairly rapidly, resulting in him needing regular dialysis while he waited on a suitable donor."
"Both my mum and me put ourselves forward, and I was found to be a match.
"Lying in bed the night before surgery was pretty nerve-wracking, but other than that I felt fairly calm and clear throughout."
Happily, both surgeries went smoothly and the improvement in the health of Mr Urquhart, was immediate.
Mr Hitchings is now currently recuperating at home in the Summer Isles after making the donation.
Although describing himself as a little sore, he said: "Seeing the difference in him so soon made any discomfort 100 per cent worth it. All eyes now are on ensuring his body accepts the new kidney but the signs are good."
The story has already warmed many hearts.
Morag Lynn Mackenzie took to the company's social media pages to write:"You're both legends guys. Speedy recovery to you both, just a wonderful story of saving a life, Finlay."
Donna Couper Macgregor stated: "Amazing and humbling, well done Finlay you’ve always been a kind boy. Willie you're looking great."
Sandy Murdoch said: "Finlay, there are no words big enough to describe what you have given another human being! So incredible! I hope you are both recovering well."
Sammy Houston said: "Well done Finlay. Respect to you."
The NHS Blood and Transplant department says that with a living donor, the usual wait for a kidney transplant is three to six months if everything goes smoothly.
It said: "This is a much faster process than receiving a kidney from a deceased donor. During these three to six months (on average), you and your living donor will have lots of tests. These are to make sure you are fit enough for a transplant and your donor is fit enough to donate a kidney."
Do you have a story or picture to share? Email hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk
