A JOHNSTONE boy whose life was saved when his dad donated a kidney took centre stage at a fundraising ball.
Nine-year-old Sam McKay lit up the room at the event, which raised £150,000 for the renal unit at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children.
Medics discovered Sam had kidney problems when he was still in his mum Morag’s womb.
READ MORE: New treatment offers fresh hope in brave Erskine tot's cancer battle
Following an operation on the day he was born, he endured long hospital stays and lifesaving surgery before receiving a donated kidney from his dad David at the age of five.
The renal appeal, run in partnership with Kidney Kids, is aiming to raise £500,000 to enhance the unit at the hospital, so that children like Sam who suffer kidney failure have a chance at a normal life.
Morag said: “Life has been pretty good since the transplant. Sam’s confidence is improving, as is his independence.
“However, he is still trying to come to terms with what he has been through, as are we, and realises he has challenges ahead.
“We’ll work it out, though, as failure is not an option.
“It is vital that people support the renal appeal in order to develop and improve the already incredible work done by the wonderful nurses, doctors and staff at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children.”
Johnstone schoolboy Sam McKay is pictured with his dad David, mum Morag and older brother Ben at the fundraising ball
The hospital also wants to use funds raised to pay for more psychological support for children and families living with kidney failure, as well as supporting its home dialysis service to allow more youngsters to be treated at home.
Kirsten Sinclair, chief operating officer at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone for their generosity at the ball, hosted by Bryan Burnett.
“Sam and his family articulated just how challenging life can be for a child with kidney failure. Our guests took them to their hearts and responded with overwhelming kindness.
READ MORE: Retirement beckons for ‘Postman Pete’ as he delivers final letters
“Children like Sam may have kidney failure but, for the McKays and our guests, failure was not an option.”
For more information on the appeal, visit www.glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org/renal-appeal
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here