TWO brothers from Kilkhampton have both been victims of hereditary kidney problems and have, as a result, had successful kidney transplants some years ago.

Nigel, 57, had a kidney transplant 25 years ago on September 28 which is believed to be the longest running successful transplant in the area. His family are delighted as new kidneys are only expected to last circa ten years.

Nigel's condition was realised after he was involved in a motorbike accident. It was this accident that lead doctors to find Nigel had Alport Syndrome (a genetic kidney disorder). Following tests within the family it was revealed that he had been passed the bad gene from his mother who was found to be a carrier of the disease.

Keith, Nigel's younger brother, explained that Nigel was on a dialysis for a long time, then kidney bags for around seven years before the correct donor was found. Since this Nigel hasn't been back on a motorbike.

Keith and Nigel are just two children out of 13 all together and with their mother being a carrier of Alport Syndrome this has meant the kidney problem could be passed into other generations.

Keith, 53, also had a kidney transplant 15 years ago and, like Nigel, had a passion for motorbikes. Fortunately for Keith, he had to wait just two and a half years until a suitable donor was found.

Keith explained that his sister was willing to donate a kidney to him, however a donor came through in time. This was a relief to Keith knowing that the syndrome was hereditary.

Just two months after Keith had his transplant, he took part in a charity bike ride from Kilkhampton to Lands End.

Keith and Nigel now have check-ups every three to four months at Holsworthy which consist of regular blood tests. However, "everything is alright" commented Keith.

Nigel and Keith as well as the family are delighted that their transplants have been such a success.