Linden Warburton: Sandy McLaren - Kidney Donation

On 16^th March, a party of sixteen Rotarians and partners went along to a most enjoyable performance of Sunshine on Leith by Hawick Amateur Operatic Society, and then on 30^th five members of Hawick Rotary visited the Melrose Club. Such 'Scatter Weeks' are planned to give members an insight into how other Clubs are run, and on this occasion the Hawick group won an informal quiz between the groups.

At this week's meeting held at Mansfield House Hotel, Vice President Ron Smith welcomed speaker Sandy McLaren, and guests Joyce Wilson from Melrose Rotary and Gale Willner from London.

Sandy spoke about Live Organ Donation and his rôle in being a live donor for his sister, who suffered from a deteriorating kidney condition. The treatment options were being on dialysis for the rest of her life or a transplant. Members of the family agreed to put themselves forward as possible donors, and Sandy turned out to be the most suitable donor, which resulted in many medical tests and counselling being carried out. Sandy's kidney was successfully transplanted into his sister and both have recovered well, his sister now leading a full life and feeling better than she ever has.

Many questions from members followed before Mairhi Trickett gave a vote of thanks.