A young Donegal boy who has been waiting for more than 5 year for a vital kidney transplant has been given a lifeline.
Castlefin lad Matthew Doherty, 10, last week received a phonecall on Wednesday morning last which changed his life.
Due to an extremely rare condition, he was unable to receive a kidney transplant from a living person, and needed a donor from someone who had passed away.
His mum Louise told Donegal Daily that Matthew is recovering well after receiving a donor kidney and he is hopeful of getting home to Donegal soon.
“The operation went well and Matthew is feeling very, very good. All went to plan and we are just so delighted,” she said.
The courageous young man, who is a huge GAA and soccer fan, told Donegal Daily back in April that he was unable to play football anymore.
“I can’t play football anymore because I can’t risk becoming sick, in case I get called for a kidney transplant.
“I get frustrated at the other boys being stronger and faster than me, but I love playing football, but unfortunately I can’t play it anymore, because I need to stay healthy.”
Thankfully last Wednesday Matthew got the call he has been waiting on for years and he headed to Dublin along with his family and mother Louise.
Matthew has been doing really well in the days after his transplant and is even getting back home this week, which shows the bravery and strong attitude Matthew possesses.
Louise added “I would like to thank everybody for their kindness over the past week, anybody who prayed and lit candles for Matthew, we are very thankful for everything.”