A critically ill model who was saved when her father gave his kidney to her a decade ago has received a second gift of life – from her mum who has also stepped in to be an organ donor.
Stunning Deborah Maddison, 26, was given just two hours to live when she first suffered acute kidney failure in 2003.
Shockingly months earlier a GP had told her she only had indigestion when in fact her organs were failing.
Further tests revealed she was anaemic and suffering kidney problems and she underwent an emergency blood transfusion and a harrowing three months of dialysis treatment.
But in May 2003 she was rushed to Grantham Hospital, Lincs., suffering chest pains where she was told her kidneys had “shrivelled to nothing” and required an emergency transplant.
Devoted dad Alan, 57, a magistrate’s clerk, proved a match and donated his left kidney to his gravely ill daughter after an operation at Leicester Hospital.
The surgery was a success but a year later brave Deborah, from Sleaford, Lincolnshire, developed various conditions which left her feeling constantly tired.
She was diagnosed with osteoporosis – which has left her with a skeletal structure of a 92-year-old woman – as well as heart problems, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
However she refused to let her debilitating condition beat her and continued modelling – even reaching the final of a swimwear competition in 2011.
But the family were dealt a devastating blow just before Christmas when doctors revealed her father’s donated kidney was was failing and she needed another transplant.
Earlier tests showed mum Audrey, 52, a full-time carer, was also a perfect match and she has gone under the knife to donate her kidney to replace the failing organ.
Battling Deborah has also reached the final of a second swimwear competition, which she hopes to participate in this summer.
She said: “Things are tough at the minute as I am on more medication and injections and feel drained most of the time.
“I just try and take it in my stride, I’ve had quite a few setbacks since 2003.
“It was really bizarre at first because they thought it was indigestion.
“I was taken into Grantham Hospital after I was told I’d need a blood transfusion because I am anaemic.
“I had kidney dialysis for three months leading up to this point but I felt OK.
“But at Grantham Hospital when they did some more blood tests they found out my kidneys had pretty much shrivelled to nothing.
“They told me I had two hours to live if we didn’t get to Leicester Hospital. It was really weird as I felt fine. I was just hungry.
“I just fancied some chips and cheese – I didn’t realise I was dying.
“I was rushed there on blue lights I underwent the transplant. But its been up and down from there.
“I am scared of what’s ahead, but have amazing friends and family who help me stay strong.
“I just want to go and live a normal life – I’m constantly tired and tired but I like to see my friends and family. I would love to get aback into my modelling full-time.
“Despite my scars on my stomach I love modelling swimwear.”
Deborah is now also appealing for more people to sign up to join the National Organ Donation Register and help save more lives like hers.
She added: “I think more people should think of registering because it can change people’s lives like mine.”
Mum Audrey, who also has two other daughters Samantha, 29, and Danielle, 20, said she didn’t think twice about donating an organ to help save her daughters life
She said:
“Any parent would do the same. You do anything for your kids.
“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster but she has always said she will not let her problems stop her from living a normal life.
“She takes it all in her stride – she’s incredible and if we can give her a better quality of life then of course we will.”
Professor Neil Turner, a Medical Advisor for Kidney Research UK, said: “For the 7,000 people in the UK who need a kidney transplant, their best chance of finding a match will be from an immediate family member.
“Parents are guaranteed to offer at least a 50 per cent chance of a tissue match so it’s not unheard of to find that both parents are able to donate.
“However, there are instances where a mismatch of blood groups prevents parent-to-child transplants from taking place.”
