Barnsley is home to Mark and his brother Steve. It's where he was born and where his parents split up. His Dad, Dave decided to get right away. He left for Australia when Mark was two and hadn't been heard of since.....
 Dave |
Mark had chronic kidney failure and was dialysing three times a week when he decided that he wanted to trace his father. It wasn't the illness that prompted the call. He'd been thinking about it for years. His first contacts failed, but eventually he got onto the Salvation Army who have an international people search.
 Mark as a baby on his dad's knee |
Dave says he had been thinking about his boys ever since he left, but hadn't known how to make contact. When the Salvation Army contacted him on Mark's behalf he was stunned. It was, he said, 'the best birthday present I've ever had'. When he phoned Mark he found that he had a granddaughter, and that Mark was married.
But Mark didn't say anything about his health. After 7 or 8 weeks talking to the boys and especially Mark's brother Steve, Dave realised that all was not well. Steve suggested he contact their mother, Dave's former partner. When he did, and heard the extent of Mark's illness Dave was astounded that Mark could be so ill and not say anything.
 Dave and Mark going into hospital |
When Dave offered Mark a kidney, Mark was equally stunned.
There's a barrage of tests that you have to go through before an organ transplant, and even on the morning, a cross-matching test can mean it's all called off.
The family organised a charity concert to raise the money for Dave's fare, but on the day his mum took the mike and said 'I've got a little surprise for you'. His Dad was waiting in the wings. Dave was absolutely petrified. 'What will they think of me? What will they say?' But he needn't have worried.
 Dave, his granddaughter and Mark |
The operations took place. Both Mark and Dave are doing well. Dave is now back in Australia and still feeling the effects of the sedative.
Mark is feeling healthier and healthier, and plans to visit his dad when the doctors allow.
Useful Links:
The Salvation Army Family Tracing Service Helps to trace lost relations
The UK National Kidney Federation A charity run by and for kidney patients.
Kidney Patient Guide Provides information about Kidney Disease
