An NHS worker whose kidney function dropped to just four per cent due to a genetic disorder has been gifted a new organ from her dad.

Louise Cooper, 43, became seriously ill as a result of polycystic kidney disease which causes the kidneys to enlarge and lose function over time as a result of clusters of cysts developing. 

The admin assistant's condition further degenerated after a double subarachnoid haemorrhage which is a stroke caused by bleeding on the brain in 2021.

Louise, from Renfrew, started discussions with clinicians about long-term renal dialysis before her 69-year-old dad David offered his kidney.

The Gazette: She became ill as her kidneys enlarged and lost function over time due to clusters of cysts forming

The Royal Alexandra Hospital worker said: "Dialysis is quite restrictive and I was still actively working, so I didn't want to have to go down that route.

“But between 2021 and 2023 things were just getting worse and worse to the point that my kidney function was at four per cent - I was at end-stage renal failure.

“No one knew I was unwell - I think my body had just got used to functioning at that level.

“I’d go into the clinic and the consultants would be surprised how well I looked despite my very low kidney function. I think my body just got into a habit of coping.

“The topic of organ donation came up and my dad had always said he would happily give.

“It was never a question, his attitude was just that of course he was going to do it. I don’t know how I could ever repay him - he’s my absolute hero.”

Her transplant surgery was successfully completed on July 28 at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow by Vlad Shumeyko, a consultant general and transplant surgeon for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The Gazette: David was taken first to have his right kidney removed through keyhole surgery

Her kidney function is now at around 47 per cent and she has resumed full-time work.

She praised her father’s generosity and urged others to consider live donation if they are able to.

Louise, who is David's only child, said: "I remember asking my dad, ‘are you sure you want to do this?

"’And he just said, ‘absolutely’.

“He must have been in pain after the operation, but he’s never once complained throughout any of the process.

“It’s just the person he is - he’s an absolute gem - it’s just the person he is. I already feel a lot better and have more energy.

“The doctors did say that because I wasn’t on dialysis I wouldn’t feel the immediate effect of the transplant - they said it’d take between six and eight months for me to feel ‘normal’."

World Kidney Day falls on March 14 which aims to raise awareness of kidney disease and its prevention and treatment.

There are 400 people in Scotland waiting for a kidney transplant at any one time.

To find out more, visit livingdonation.scot.