Donor dad gives son a new lease of life - icWales

Donor dad gives son a new lease of life - icWalesDonor dad gives son a new lease of life click
Mar 10 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

As their first son was born, Meredydd and Michelle Owen were advised to plan his funeral. But almost four years later, Connor is a thriving and energetic child after receiving the gift of life from his dad. As World Kidney Day approaches on Thursday, Health Editor Madeleine Brindley reports on meeting the young family

IF YOU ask three-year-old Connor Owen what’s in his tummy, he will proudly tell you that he has his own kidney.

Yet for most of his life Connor has lived without these vital organs, dependent on dialysis to keep his small body alive.

He has amazed his medical team, who had advised parents Meredydd and Michelle to plan his funeral, fearing he would only live for a few moments after birth.

But Connor has continued to defy his prognosis, and, after receiving his kidney from his father in December, now bounds around the family home, on the outskirts of Pontypool, with all the energy and enthusiasm of any other child of his age. A blue teddy, originally bought for his funeral, has become one of Connor’s favourites, accompanying him throughout his treatment.