Sue Westwood, 75, received a kidney from her mum Ann Metcalfe, pictured with Sue right, 50 years ago (Picture: BBC Newcastle/PA Wire /North News & Pictures Ltd)
A woman whose kidney is 108-years-old is celebrating 50 years since her life saving transplant operation.
Sue Westwood received her mother Ann Metcalfe’s kidney in the 1970s when Sue was 25 years old.
She had become poorly as a teenager and later had to be put on a dialysis machine while she waited for a kidney transplant.
Thankfully Ann was able to offer one of hers and incredibly the now 108-year-old organ is still going strong half a century after the transplant.
It’s believed Sue now has the oldest transplanted kidney in the world.
She said: ‘When I had my transplant, I thought I would be extremely lucky if I got five years.
‘I got 50 years, thanks to our wonderful NHS, my mother and her genes.
Sue, aged 18, with her mum Ann (Picture: BBC Newcastle/PA Wire)
‘I would like to stress what amazing treatment I have had from the NHS, certainly wouldn’t be here today without it.’
Sue said Ann, who died in 1989 following a car accident, would have been ‘totally amazed’ her kidney had given her daughter life for so long.
She added: ‘When I say I carry a little piece of her around with me always, I mean it. Thank you, Mam.
Also celebrating 50 years since receiving a kidney transplant, is Robert Hughes, 75, of County Durham.
He had his operation on January 18, 1974, after his late brother John was found to be a match
Robert scheduled his regular check-up appointment on Thursday to mark the milestone.
Robert Hughes and Sue celebrate 50 years since their kidney transplants (Picture: North News & Pictures Ltd)
Afterwards, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust’s Renal Unit hosted a celebration for both Sue and Robert.
The pair were presented with a certificate and plaque, as well as gifts and a cake.
Consultant Nephrologist James Andrews said: ‘Welcoming in Robert for his appointment on the very day he had his transplant 50 years on was an honour for our team.
‘It’s a remarkable milestone and as a department we were grateful for the chance to acknowledge the treatment which has made a difference to his life and the gift his own brother gave.
‘I hope both Robert, Sue and their families enjoyed their day of celebrations. It was our privilege to host a special event for them.’
Robert grew up in South West London and had just gained his licence as a jump jockey when he became unwell, forcing him to give up his career.
He began dialysis while his family underwent tests to find a potential donor.
Robert (left) and Christine on their wedding day with Robert’s brother John, his kidney donor (Picture: North News & Pictures Ltd)
Sue urged people to sign up as organ donors.
She said: ‘To all those people walking around thinking they’ll get round to signing up to a donor card some day, your kidneys are no use to you once you’ve passed away.
‘Just think of the joy you would bring to a person and their family who is leading a miserable, tied down to dialysis life.
‘They would be forever indebted.’
In November last year, the world’s first-ever whole-eye transplant on a human was been carried out in New York.
Aaron James, 46, underwent a 21-hour eye transplant after suffering serious facial injuries when he was electrocuted.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].
For more stories like this, check our news page.
She received the kidney from her mum in the 1970s.