Agnes gives her son the gift of life by donating her kidney

Chris Gould was given a new lease of life thanks to his mum who donated a kidney to save her son.
Chris Gould received a kidney from mum Agnes during a transplant operation. US1326-502cdChris Gould received a kidney from mum Agnes during a transplant operation. US1326-502cd
Chris Gould received a kidney from mum Agnes during a transplant operation. US1326-502cd

When Chris was 17 he began to feel unwell, his legs had become swollen and the doctor referred him to the hospital. Just two weeks later he collapsed at home when a clot formed on his lung. Following a battery of tests it was discovered Chris had Nephrotic Syndrome, which was attacking his kidneys.

“He was a 17 year old in a 70 year old’s body,” explained his mum Anges. “He was on medication but he was getting worse each time he went to the hospital. He was really ill. He would text me and say ‘Mum, I’m broken’. From a parent’s point of view it is devastating to watch someone so young go through this.

“Last year the doctor said Chris wasn’t going to get any better and we started talking seriously about having a kidney transplant,” Agnes continued. “It never even dawned on me to consider it. As a parent you would do it for your child no matter what, I didn’t even think about it.”

Luckily, Agnes was a good match for Chris and the City Hospital carried out a series of tests and scans before the transplant could take place. “I had about three appointments before the operation but it isn’t as invasive as people think.

“For a little discomfort you are giving someone the gift of life,” she said.

“Chris and I both went in on the Thursday night and on Friday morning I had my operation and he had his at lunchtime. It all went very smoothly and there were no problems. I think it was a very long day for my husband but we all supported each other.

“My two younger sons have been a great support as well and they are already thinking about becoming organ donors if Chris ever needs another kidney.”

Agnes and her family are supporters of the Living Organ Donors scheme and are encouraging everyone to talk to their family about what their wishes would be if they were ever in the same situation.