Unbreakable bond between two mates after one donated kidney
The bond between two Melbourne men is stronger than ever after one donated a kidney to his mate.
Julian Feller, a world famous orthopedic surgeon whose patients include the AFL’s elite, was in desperate need of a kidney when he went into end-stage renal failure.
“I was probably three to six months away from dialysis,” he revealed.
Mr Feller’s friend of more than 30 years, Larry Middleton, decided to give him his kidney after hearing his close peer talk about his health issues at a surf club function.
“Probably about two weeks later I got a text saying ‘give me a call, Julian, I think I can help you’,” Mr Feller recalled.
“I still feel emotional thinking about when I read that text.”
The mates underwent surgery at a Melbourne private hospital, supporting each other through their recovery.
“It was an easy decision,” Mr Middleton said.
“It was good having each other there and having each other to reassure that we were on the mend.”
They’ve shared their story ahead of Donate Life Thank You Day, which honours those who have given others life-saving gifts.
In the last year alone, more than 1600 lives have been saved thanks to organ and tissue donors.
But while 70 per cent of Australians believe it’s important to register as a donor, only a third actually are registered.
“We definitely need more people to register,” Donate Life’s Lucinda Barry said.
“It really is life-changing and transforming for so many people.”
Sunday is Donate Life Thank You Day. To become a donor go to donatelife.gov.au.
