Boy with lifelong kidney issues undergoes transplant at Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children

A boy with lifelong kidney issues has undergone a successful transplant at a Glasgow hospital.

Reece Sinclair, 11, was born without “properly formed kidneys” and has spent years attending the Royal Hospital for Children for dialysis.

But the youngster received a kidney from an anonymous live donor last month which is set to change his life.

His mum Mary, from Kirkintilloch, said: “When Reece was born he didn’t have properly formed kidneys, one was too big and the other was too small. he also had bladder issues which caused urine infections and scarring on the kidneys.

“Throughout the years, we monitored his condition and levelled things out through diet and medication that lasted for a good few years, along with surgery.

“In recent years he was on dialysis, some of which was three days a week on the ward. It was a scary time.”

Reece had the operation last month and is now in recovery – and mum Mary said he is looking forward to getting back to swimming and trying new food.

She thanked hospital staff and the organ donor for helping Reece on his health journey.

Mary said: “He has been restricted on his diet since he was three, so him being able to eat things that everyone else is having is amazing, it’s those small things that also make a huge difference.

“The staff here for us are family, Reece has been here since he was a baby. They have been absolutely amazing.

“We would also like to thank the person who decided to donate their kidney. We can’t describe how big an impact this has had on Reece’s life. We can’t thank them enough for this.”

She added: “It’s very important that people donate their organs if they can, it’s changed his life and the lives of the whole family.

“It’s been amazing, I didn’t expect him to recover so quickly.

“The day after his surgery, he looked so different, he looked so well.”

Reece is the 300th patient to receive a successful kidney transplant at the hospital.

The transplant programme started in children’s hospitals in Glasgow back in 1977.

The landmark figure is also the first National Kidney Sharing Scheme transplant at the Royal Hospital for Children.

The National Kidney Sharing Scheme exchange programme is designed to increase the number of people who can receive transplants from living donors and also gives more opportunities for transplants to those who have been waiting longer for a kidney.

Dr Ben Reynolds, Paediatric Kidney Specialist said: “As we reach this amazing landmark of 300 kidney transplants, we can reflect on the number of lives that have been changed thanks to those who decide to donate kidneys and the team of specialists here in Glasgow.

“I’ve known Reece for so many years now and his transformation since having his transplant is remarkable, we’re all delighted to see him doing so well. What’s even more special about Reece, is he is the first patient we have had who has received a kidney through the sharing scheme.”