From Mother to Lifesaver: Louise and Leo's Kidney Donation Story

When Louise's son, Leo, was suddenly diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at age 7, their world changed forever. After discovering she was a good match, Louise had zero doubts about being her son's kidney donor. This is their story.

Leo's Diagnosis

'For the first few years of his life. Leo had a completely normal and healthy childhood.'

'This all changed, however, when at age seven he was diagnosed with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a rare but serious disease that affects the kidneys and blood clotting functions of infected people.'

'Finding out that our son has a serious and chronic illness was an enormous thing for us all to come to terms with, and it has been a tough and lonely road at times, especially during the pandemic.'

'Thankfully, the charity have been there for us through the toughest of times, with Lauren and the rest of the play team being a huge support, not only in raising Leo’s spirits with Lego and art, but also in giving Mum a well-needed break. I can’t imagine what the hospital would be like without them.'

Louise, leo's mum

Louise's Donation

'In 2021, Leo had a kidney transplant with myself being the donor'

'I'm so thankful that I was a good match for Leo and that we were able to go through with the transplant.'

'There are so many tests you have to go through and you can find out at any point in the process right up until the day of the surgery if there is a problem.'

'We were so delighted when everything went as planned! It is a gift for me to see him now growing and thriving and long may it continue.'

Louise, leo's mum

'I recovered well after the operation and have had no problems since the operation.'

'Despite the possible risks involved in donating a kidkey, there was no question in my mind about being Leo's donor as you would put yourself through anything to save your child.'

'Getting to be the donor to this amazing boy was a privilege I will be forever grateful for. Now all we can do is hope this kidney will last him a long, long time!'

The Transplant Games

'Leo is 10 now and absolutely thriving. In July, he was part of the team from Glasgow who travelled down to Coventry to compete in the British Transplant Games.'

Running for over 40 years, The British Transplant Games are a celebration of life. Taking place in different host cities every Summer, the 4-day event sees teams from hospitals across the UK come together to compete in a medley of sports.

'The Transplant Games is an amazing event for Leo and our family to be a part of and we are so very grateful to Transplant Coordinator Diane King and Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity for organising the trip.'

'It has allowed Leo, who is a quiet and shy boy, to be part of a team of kids who have so much in common, that no one else can fully understand.'

'It has also fostered in him a love of Sport, especially Badminton in which he won a silver medal this year in Coventry.'

'It is so beneficial to the mental health of Leo and to his brother Sam and myself in giving us that much needed connection and inspiration from the community of families with kids who have had kidney transplants here in Glasgow.'

'I can only hope we can continue to attend the Transplant Games in future, if only to see the huge smile it puts on Leo’s face!'