Moving stories of how Highlanders have acted to save their partners’ lives by donating a kidney have emerged to celebrate World Kidney Day today.
A Black Isle father-of-four has spoken of his gratitude after his wife saved his life by giving him her kidney.
Seven months on, Martin Ross, 47, and wife Johan are backing a drive to raise awareness of living donation.
Martin, who experienced acute kidney failure in 2009, said his life has been transformed, with the transplant giving him more energy and relief from the constant tiredness, headaches and itchiness caused by his condition.
A kidney from a living donor generally offers the best outcomes for patients living with kidney failure who need a transplant.
Inverness man Douglas Roehling, 42, received the kidney transplant he desperately needed in February 2017, after his wife Michaela donated a kidney into the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme, allowing him to receive a kidney from an altruistic donor.
Douglas has since been met his donor, Caroline Hollinshead from Cornwall, after travelling with Michaela to Birmingham in September 2018 to say thanks in person.
Meanwhile Richard Lochhead MSP visited the renal unit at Dr Gray’s Hospital meeting staff and dialysis patients.
He was updated on NHS Grampian’s plans to invest over half a million pounds refurbishing the renal department.
The work, due to begin in the coming months, will replace the existing water treatment plant as well as upgrading the care areas to create a more comfortable environment for patients undergoing treatment.