Woman donates kidney to husband

BEAUMONT Hospital made Irish medical history yesterday by carrying out the first spouse-to-spouse living transplant.

Deirdre Crowe, who is in her late-30s, donated a kidney to her husband Ned Crowe, who is in his early-50s.

Father- of- three Ned has polycystic kidney disease and required dialysis for the past four years.

Last night, the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) hailed the operation as a “serious landmark day for transplant”.

IKA chief executive Mark Murphy said it highlighted that transplant was possible between people who were not blood related.

“It’s a fantastic day, it’s the first living non-related transplant done in Ireland and it opens up possibilities for lots more people to come forward as donors other than blood relations,” Mr Murphy said.

He said spousal transplant was common in many other countries and the IKA was delighted it had now taken place in Ireland.

Last night, a spokesperson for Beaumont confirmed the transplant had taken place, but said no further details were available.

Coincidentally, the transplant took place during Organ Donor Awareness Week which runs until April 5. The IKA encourages everyone to carry an organ donor card.

To get a donor card, free text the word DONOR to 50050. For further details log on to www.ika.ie.