Act of mercy... the man who gave a lifeline to a stranger

It seems like one of the most selfless acts: undergoing hours of surgery so that one of your kidney can be removed and given to a complete stranger.

But that is exactly what father-of-two Mark Moorhouse has done. And he is not alone.

The number of people volunteering to become an altruistic organ donor has almost doubled from 23 in 2009/10 to 40 in 2010/11 after it became legal in 2006.

People are generally becoming more aware of the need for donors and this is in part as a result of advances in medicine, surgery and improved success rates. Many people think you must be related to the person you’re donating to but you don’t, you don’t even have to share the same blood group, suitability is assessed on many different levels.

Mark was one of the 40 who underwent keyhole surgery at St James’s Hospital in Leeds to remove a perfectly healthy kidney to improve, and possibly save, the life of a complete stranger.

“I decided to donate one of my kidneys after listening to a radio programme about someone who was going to donate a kidney to their mum but they weren’t a match,” explains Mark.

“They were asked if they would still consider becoming an altruistic donor and give a kidney to a stranger on the waiting list and they agreed. It really got me thinking.”

Mark started to research the subject thoroughly and was deeply moved by the plight of some of the 7,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant.

“There were stories of mums and dads unable to go on holiday with their children without having to make sure that the local hospital was fully equipped to deal with their illness. Their lives are so restricted; they couldn’t even play football with their children.

“ I have two kids and the thought that these people wouldn’t be able to do the things with their kids that I have done with mine really made me want to do something to help people like them.”

Mark found the process quite easy, although it involved months of tests and assessments to ensure he was suitable before a recipient was found who was a tissue match.

“I was looked after so well before and after the procedure. Everything was explained to me fully and they did endless tests to make sure that I was free of any disease which might mean I might develop kidney problems myself in the future, which put my mum’s mind at rest as she was quite concerned about the whole thing.” Telling his two children, Luke, 18, and Bethany, 16, he feared might be harder, but the children took it in their stride.

“They are old enough to understand why I was doing it,” says Mark. “Luke does have diabetes and some people were concerned that I should save my kidney in case he needs it in later life. But he may never need a new kidney and may not even be a match.”

Mark, 40, was warned that there might be a 12-week recovery period after the surgery and a one in 3,500 risk of dying while having the kidney removed. But Mark admits that when he sets his mind on something it is difficult to dissuade him.

“Throughout the process, they constantly asked me whether I still wanted to go ahead with it. You have plenty of opportunity to back out, but I had made up my mind.”

Mark was admitted to St James’s Hospital at Thursday tea time after a suitable recipient was found. He underwent surgery the following day and was home on Monday. He was back at the gym within eight weeks and says he has suffered no ill-effects since the surgery last October.

“I have a three inch scar and two small puncture marks. But that’s it. Other people say I have done something huge but I just see it as something I wanted to do. It was no big deal.”

He knows nothing about the person whose life he has possibly changed for ever.

“They explain beforehand that you may never know anything about the person who received the kidney which can put some people off.”

After six months, if all is well with the transplant then the recipient is asked if they want to have contact with their donor.

“I would really like to meet the person one day, but you never know. I would just like to know how things are going for them.”

Mark has undergone a career change since his operation. He was owner of the Candy Nightclub in Bradford and, although he still has an interest in the club, his main career now is working with people with learning disabilities.

He is also urging people to join the organ donor register and even consider becoming an altruistic donor although he does believe the Government could do more to encourage people.

“There is no payment like there is in other countries. You don’t even get your car parking reimbursed. You also can need to take a long time off work which some employers may not be too keen about.”

Mark is one of just 88 altruistic donors in the last four years nationally and one of only six in Yorkshire.

While 7,000 people wait for a new kidney every year, 40 voluntary donations might seem small but not for those who receive them, it is life changing.

Jo Barwick is transplant co-ordinator at St James’s Hospital.

“It is a fantastic thing for someone to do but we do appreciate it is a really big thing to put yourself through major surgery when you are perfectly fit and well to help someone you may never actually meet,” says Jo.

“Some people do come forward and then decide for whatever reason not to go ahead, which we completely understand. People are given every chance not to go ahead with the procedure if they wish.”

Leeds also runs a paired and pooled scheme whereby incompatible couples are matched with other couples who are also incompatible as a way of speeding up the transplant process.

“It is great news that the number of altruistic donors is increasing but we would also like to see the number of people on the organ donor register increase as well.”

There are currently 335 people waiting for a kidney transplant in Yorkshire.

Chair of the Human Tissue Authority Baroness Diana Warwick says: “I am in awe of the people who do this, it has to be one of the most profound selfless acts one can do for another human being, especially for a person you don’t even know.

“The generosity of altruistic organ donation never ceases to amaze me, such actions are a real cause for celebration.”

Mark is in favour of a opt-out system for the organ donor register whereby everyone is automatically registered unless they state they do not want to be included. He also wants to encourage more people to donate altruistically.

“If you carry a donor card there’s no reason why you can’t do this now, if you are healthy. You don’t have to be dead to give someone else the chance of life. You can donate altruistically and still have a perfectly healthy life afterwards.”

While around 2,500 kidney transplants are carried out nationally every year, some 3,000 patients die while waiting for a transplant.

[email protected]

THE ALTRUISTIC ALTERNATIVE

Altruistic organ donations have only been possible since 2006. They involve a living person who has never met the possible recipient offering up a kidney or part of their liver or even a part of their lung, to a complete stranger.

This whole process is facilitated by Human Tissue Authority trained volunteers called independent assessors who ensure that potential donors understand the risks, are not being coerced or paid to do it and are psychologically fit to go ahead with such a procedure.

Anyone interested in altruistic organ donation should contact the transplant co-ordinator at their local hospital or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk