Transplant lifesaver (From Stroud News and Journal)

Transplant lifesaver

A COMPASSIONATE donation from a bereaved family has brought the gift of life back to a grateful Stroud man.

Mike Wimperis, 36, whose parents own the Selsley Herb and Spice Company, suffered kidney failure five years ago due to diabetes, a condition he has had from birth.

When the first kidney donated by his mother, Gillian, failed three years ago, Mike was faced with years of dialysis until another suitable donor could be found.

And three weeks ago the call came.

"Mike slept right through the bleeper that he always carries with him," said Gillian.

"Then the hospital called me and I slept through the phone call.

"In the end they sent the police round to tell us that a kidney donor had been found."

And she added: "Although it is the news that you hardly dare hope for, day in, day out, I immediately thought of the poor family that had done such a wonderful deed."

Mike, who was undergoing a seven hour round trip three times a week for dialysis at Gloucester hospital is now recovering well from the transplant.

"This will give him his life back," said Gillian.

She and her husband Peter have written to the donor's family to express their gratitude.

"We want the family to know how profoundly grateful we are for this gift at a time of such sadness and horror for them," said Gillian.

Six other families will also benefit from the death of the 35-year-old woman donor who suffered an unexpected brain haemorrhage.

"This family gave everything that could be of use and they will be hearing over the next few weeks that her eyes can see, her heart can still go on beating, her lungs will breathe and that both her kidneys are giving back a future to two who were only existing - not having any life worth living," said Gillian.

And she said: "I would so love to hug them and weep with them and thank them.

"We are so grateful to this young woman and to anyone compassionate enough to carry a donor card.

"I am astounded at the amount of love and compassion that this family must have.

"The words, thank you, seem totally inadequate but have never been so heartfelt."