Joshua Andrew was in Australia when he received a call from his family informing him that his father David’s kidney function was deteriorating.
In response, Joshua volunteered to donate one of his kidneys.
David, 57, had been grappling with chronic kidney disease, a consequence of chemotherapy he underwent nearly a decade earlier for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
At the age of 23, Joshua was enjoying the summer on the Gold Coast when he returned to Southgate, north London, to start the preparations for the transplant.
This was not the first time Joshua’s donation had been crucial for David’s health; he had previously provided bone marrow to assist in his father’s cancer treatments.
Remarkably, the two share compatible immune systems, making Joshua’s kidney an ideal match for David.
Following their surgeries at the Royal Free Hospital last week, both are now recuperating at home.
Joshua shared, “The priority for me was knowing I wanted to support my dad. The nursing and surgical teams at the Royal Free Hospital carefully explained every detail of what was to come.”
David remarked, “The medical team has been fantastic. I was anxious about the process for Joshua, but their reassurances made us feel comfortable and fully informed.”
The transplant proceeded despite David’s health challenges.
Earlier in 2024, he suffered a severe neck injury from a bicycle accident, which required emergency surgery and extensive rehabilitation to regain his strength gradually.
“I’ve had to make significant adjustments. My mobility has returned, but my right leg remains weak,” David noted. “I can’t run anymore, and I haven’t been on a bike since that incident; I’m uncertain if I ever will again.”
Meanwhile, Joshua expressed his desire to return to Australia soon, as he had formed “lifelong friendships” during his travels there.
Lois, their mother, stated, “I am incredibly proud of both of them; it’s hard to find the words. David has faced every challenge with a positive attitude and continues to pursue whatever treatment is needed for the best outcome. As for Josh, he simply thought, ‘Why wouldn’t I do this for my dad?'”
Alison Richardson, the live donor coordinator who guided them through the procedure, praised Joshua’s character.
“He is thrilled to have been able to assist his father, and it has been a joy to oversee his care,” she stated. “At just 23, he has saved his dad not once, but twice.”
