Mother saves son's life with kidney donation despite 'incompatible' organ

Shimal Devapura said he would never be able to "repay" his mum
Provided by family

A mother was able to donate a kidney to her teenage son after doctors overcame problems with the organ being “incompatible” and at risk of being rejected.

Shimal Devapura, 18, required the transplant after developing chronic kidney failure from a bacterial infection as a child. He was becoming increasingly weak and was on the verge of requiring dialysis.

He has a different blood group to his mother Champika Wijayarathe, 50, but was able to receive her kidney after being given the anti-cancer drug rituximab prior to the operation at Great Ormond Street hospital.

Now Shimal, who lives in Stepney Green, is studying medicine at Queen Mary University of London. He said: “It’s difficult to put into words how much my mum has done for me.

“I can never repay her and I appreciate her so much. She’s a great mum and I will definitely be buying her a very nice present for Mother’s Day this year.”

Ms Wijayarathe donated her kidney at Guy’s hospital in December 2016. Tests had shown that Shimal’s father, Nish Fernando, was not suitable to donate. The organ was taken to GOSH and transplanted the same day.

The hospitals are part of the world’s only programme enabling non-compatible organ transplants in children.

Incompatibility is one of the main reasons that causes transplanted kidneys to be rejected. Antibodies react against different blood groups, believing they are protecting the body. Shimal, who was 17 at the time of the transplant, said: “We have different blood groups so we weren’t sure she would be able to donate but tests found it was possible because I had low antibodies to her blood group — she is group B, while I’m group A — and with further treatment the doctors told us the transplant had a good chance of success.

The Duchess of Cambridge visits Great Ormond Street Hospital

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“As soon as I woke up I asked how my mum was. She needed to rest so I only saw her a week and a half later. When she saw me her face lit up and she said she could instantly see I had more energy and looked happier.

“I decided to study medicine because I’ve been seen by doctors a lot growing up and that influenced me. I wanted to be there for other people, like they have been for me.”

Ms Wijayarathe, from Barking, said: “I’m very happy to see Shimal so well — it makes donating my kidney all worth it. Thanks to the transplant all his health problems have gone away.”

Professor Nizam Mamode, consultant transplant surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS trust, said: “It’s wonderful to see patients like Shimal living the life they want to lead thanks to the pioneering techniques we are using.”

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