A kind-hearted 26-year-old dad donated his kidney to a stranger in desperate need – after getting the idea while doing the WASHING UP.
Joe Walsh was scrubbing the dishes when by chance he heard a radio interview with a donor speaking about how brilliant their own experience was.
The support worker says he was “inspired” by the story and shocked to hear how “simple” and “easy” the process of donating is.
He said: “I decided there and then while I was doing the washing up that it was something I wanted to do, I was intent from that point.”
Within a few days Joe, who is married with a three-year-old daughter, had rung his local donor centre and begun the process.
Last summer, only a year after hearing the radio interview, brave Joe underwent surgery to have his kidney removed and donated.
He said: “The whole experience was a joy from start to finish, I would say that I actually enjoyed it all.
“To know that you have helped change another person’s life is an incredible feeling.
Joe lives with his wife Rio, 35, and their adopted little girl Nyah in Leeds, West Yorks.
He first considered organ donation while working in the kitchen of their family home in 2018, and immediately discussed it with hi family.
Joe said: “I hadn’t ever considered organ donation before, I didn’t know it was an option.
“But when I looked into it I realised that the operation is routine and very low risk.
“It turns out almost anyone who is healthy can donate, so why wouldn’t I?”
Joe had to undergo numerous NHS tests to ensure he was both physically and mentally fit enough to undergo the surgery.
As an altruistic donor the 26-year-old did not know who he was donating his organ to.
He said: “I was so eager to do it that I wasn’t even nervous, I just knew that I was doing something good.”
The three hour surgery was carried out at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds and Joe remained under doctors’ care for three days.
He said: “I felt really good after the operation, I was so pleased to have helped someone else in such a big way.”
Since donating, at both people’s request, Joe and the person he donated to have exchanged correspondence.
He said she is a woman who is able to play with her grandchildren and go on holiday as a result of Joe’s donation.
Joe says his long term health will not be affected by the operation and that if he ever needs his remaining organ replaced he will go to the top of the donor list.
He added: “For me the whole experience was really great, I would encourage everyone to do it if they possibly can.”
For information about kidney donation visit: http://www.giveakidney.org/