Critically-ill model, 26, to receive kidney from her mother... 10 years after getting same donor organ from her father
- Deborah Maddison has had kidney problems since she was 16
- Received underwent first kidney transplant in 2003 when father donated
- 26-year-old also suffers from osteoporosis and heart problems
- She has pursued a successful modelling career despite her poor health
By CLAIRE BATES
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Deborah Maddison, 26, had her first kidney transplant in 2003 when her father Alan donated one of his organs. The surgery was a success but a year later the model from Sleaford, Lincolnshire, developed various conditions which left her feeling constantly tired.
She was diagnosed with osteoporosis - which has left her with a skeletal structure of an elderly woman - as well as heart problems, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Life-savers: Deborah Maddison, pictured with her mother Audrey who is donating her kidney and father Alan who donated his 10 years ago
Takes things in her stride: Deborah is determined to continue her modelling career despite suffering from osteoporosis, high blood pressure and kidney problems
Deborah refused to let her debilitating condition beat her and continued modelling - even reaching the final of a swimwear competition in 2011.
But she was devastated to discover her donated kidney was failing just before Christmas last year.
Luckily earlier tests revealed her mother Audrey, 52, is also a perfect match and she is due to donate her kidney next month.
Miss Maddison said, she hoped the organ would give her a new lease of life.
'I just want to go and live a normal life - I'm constantly tired and tired but I like to see my friends and family,' she said.
'I would love to get aback into my modelling full-time.'
Miss Maddison was just 16 when she went to the GP complaining of abdominal pain. She was told she just had indigestion but was later rushed to hospital with acute kidney failure.
Deborah was told she would have died in two hours if she hadn't received an emergency transplant at Leicester General Hospital in 2003
Miss Maddison hopes to continue with her modelling career after her next transplant
Further tests revealed she was anaemic and suffering kidney problems and she underwent an emergency blood transfusion and three months of dialysis treatment.
Then in May 2003 she was rushed to Grantham Hospital, Lincolnshire, suffering chest pains where she was told her kidneys had 'shrivelled to nothing' and required an emergency transplant.
'They told me I had two hours to live if we didn't get to Leicester Hospital. It was really weird as I felt fine. I was just hungry,' she said.
'I just fancied some chips and cheese - I didn't realise I was dying.'
Devoted father Alan, 57, a magistrate's clerk, proved a match and donated his left kidney to his gravely ill daughter after an operation at Leicester Hospital.
Miss Maddison hopes to continue with her modelling after her next transplant. She has reached the final of a second swimwear competition, which she hopes to participate in this summer.
She said: 'Things are tough at the minute as I am on more medication and injections and feel drained most of the time.
'I just try and take it in my stride. Despite my scars on my stomach I love modelling swimwear.'
First kidney surgery: Deborah just before (l) and after (r) she had the transplant op at Leicester General Hospital
Her mother, who also has two other daughters Samantha, 29, and Danielle, 20, said she didn't think twice about donating an organ to help save her daughter's life
She said: 'Any parent would do the same. You do anything for your kids.
'It's been an emotional rollercoaster but she has always said she will not let her problems stop her from living a normal life.
'She takes it all in her stride - she's incredible and if we can give her a better quality of life then of course we will.'
Deborah is now also appealing for more people to sign up to join the National Organ Donation Register and help save more lives like hers.
She added: 'I think more people should think of registering because it can change people's lives.'
Professor Neil Turner, Medical Advisor for Kidney Research UK, said: 'For the 7,000 people in the UK who need a kidney transplant, their best chance of finding a match will be from an immediate family member.
'Parents are guaranteed to offer at least a 50 per cent chance of a tissue match so it's not unheard of to find that both parents are able to donate.
'However, there are instances where a mismatch of blood groups prevents parent-to-child transplants from taking place.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2278006/Critically-ill-model-26-receive-kidney-mother--10-years-getting-donor-organ-father.html#ixzz2KoXrDQPF
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