Kieran Innes, 27, from West Lothian, Scotland, faced a life-changing diagnosis at just 25: kidney failure requiring thrice-weekly dialysis. His dream wedding and honeymoon with fiancée Lara Russell seemed uncertain—until his 63-year-old father, Brian Innes, stepped forward to donate a kidney, transforming Kieran’s future.
A Father’s Courage, A Son’s New Lease on Life
Kieran’s health deteriorated rapidly after a family holiday in July 2022, when he was hospitalized with dangerously high blood pressure. Within weeks, doctors confirmed his kidneys were failing. Dialysis and a chest stent became part of his daily life, complicating even simple tasks like showering.
Facing a long wait for a kidney transplant, Kieran and Lara courageously asked their families for live donations. Eight relatives offered, including Lara’s father and Kieran’s siblings, but it was Brian who was chosen to undergo the surgery in March 2024.
“I feel forever indebted to my dad,” Kieran said. “Everything I can do now is because of him. I have no worries anymore.”
From Hospital Wards to Wedding Aisle
Brian, a cameraman with BBC Scotland for over 40 years and father of seven, admits he was anxious about the operation but committed to saving his son’s life. The transplant was a success, and Kieran quickly returned to work as a pizza chef and resumed normal life.
The couple is set to marry on July 5 in Uphall, West Lothian, followed by a “minimoon” in New York and a honeymoon in Italy this October. Kieran reflects, “Without the transplant, planning the honeymoon would have been a disaster. Dialysis abroad is possible but very difficult.”
A Bond Strengthened by Love and Sacrifice
The transplant has deepened the bond between father and son. Brian fondly recalls Kieran’s gratitude: “He’s always hugging me now. We even took a trip together as a thank you.”
Brian’s kidney is expected to last about 25 years, meaning Kieran may need further transplants in the future. But for now, the young couple looks forward to a life filled with family, travel, and children.
Organ Donation: A Lifeline for Many
Kieran and Brian’s story highlights the profound impact of live kidney donation. According to NHS Blood and Transplant, thousands wait for lifesaving organs, and live donations offer hope for a healthier future.
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