Mohamed Al Azemi, international patient from Kuwait, 60, was diagnosed with kidney disease in 1994. As a father of five boys and three girls and then working for the civil service, he managed the disease well and lived normally for decades. However, as with many cases of kidney disease, Mohamed's condition worsened over time, and he started haemodialysis in 2023.

This was life-changing for him.

The treatment required him to be in the hospital for a three-to-four-hours dialysis session, three times a week. Often, after each session, Mohamed suffered fatigue restricting him from pursuing any activities.

His son Abdulrahman, 37, who is also a father of eight, said “I grew up with my father as a chronic renal failure patient, but when he started dialysing, he was affected immensely. It was mentally, physically, and emotionally draining for my father. He had to stay home all the time. This eventually led to isolation and depression. We don’t want to see him in this state”.

Mohamed's family convinced him to pursue kidney transplantation. He was listed for a deceased donor transplant in Kuwait, his home country.

But the prospect of having a live donor kidney transplant and an earlier procedure meant Mohamed can get back to a more active and fulfilling life, sooner.

The critical decision was made after hearing about Dr Peter Dupont, a leading Nephrology Consultant.  Dr Dupont's reputation & experience as well as the Royal Free’s reputation as an international Kidney Centre of Excellence were the contributing factors which committed the family to travel to the United Kingdom.

In London, Mohamed was admitted to the Royal Free London Private Patients Unit under Dr Dupont’s care. Soon after, all eight of his children were tested.

Mohamed said, “I was conflicted and very worried for my children, but they all insisted.”

The likelihood of a parent and a child match is at least 50 percent. So, it was not a surprise to have all of Mohamed's children come back as a match. Nonetheless, Abdulrahman, who has a special bond with his father, as well as being the fittest, did not hesitate and volunteered.

After careful preparations, the procedure took place at the Royal Free Hospital in July 2024, and it was a great success thanks to our skilled world class Kidney Transplant Surgery Consultants; Mr Prodromos (Makis) Laftsidis – Transplant Surgery Consultant to the recipient, Mohamed & Miss Fiona McCaig – Transplant Surgery Consultant to the donor, Abdulrahman.

Both Mohamed and Abdulrahman were very happy, satisfied and relieved with the amazing result, and that everything went well.

Mohamed is now looking forward to enjoying an active life with his family, especially spending more time with his grandchildren.

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