Wheathampstead Man Saved by pioneering three way kidney swap

WHEATHAMPSTEAD man Tim Thakrar has received a healthy kidney in a three-way transplant swap during a set of linked operations all taking place on the same day. The successful transplants took place after matches were found on a national database for patie

WHEATHAMPSTEAD man Tim Thakrar has received a healthy kidney in a three-way transplant swap during a set of linked operations all taking place on the same day.

The successful transplants took place after matches were found on a national database for patients who each had a loved one prepared to give a kidney to a stranger.

In the human chain Andrew Mullen from Aberdeen donated his kidney to Chris Brent, 42, from Kent and in exchange his sister Lisa Burton, 45, gave a kidney to Tim. To complete the circle Tim's wife Lynsey, 30, gave a kidney to Mrs Mullen.

Tim, 32, a scientist, who worked full-time despite having to undergo dialysis four times a day, said: "I have not felt so well for a decade. It's amazing to be able to eat and drink normally and not have to worry about getting toxins in my blood. My life was run round having to give myself dialysis every four hours and now my wife and I can start to live our lives properly again."

In an emotional get-together this morning on BBC Breakfast TV, Tim was able to meet and chat to Mrs Burton, whose kidney was used in his transplant.

It is believed to be only the second three-way transplant since the Human Tissue Act made such operations legal in 2004.

For the full story and interview read this week's Herts Advertiser.