A special birthday party for an extra special man
There was special birthday party last night for one extra special 90 year old. Nicholas Crace from Overton in Hampshire made history 6 years ago when he became the oldest living organ donor in the UK. Most of the guests were also altruistic donors, many of them inspired by Nicholas to help give the gift of life to a complete stranger.
Five thousand people are waiting for a kidney transplant in the UK. Now a growing number of people are donating their organs whilst they are still alive. In the last 10 years, more than 600 people have given a kidney to help a stranger. Portsmouth's QA hospital is leading the way, with more than 60 altruistic organ donors in the last decade. The procedure takes several months including tests, an operation and recovery.
A support group has been set up which meets every few months and last night the group gathered at the Langrish House Hotel near Petersfield for the birthday bash. Mary Stanley joined them