Father Gordon Rutty donated his kidney after losing close friend to cancer

FATHER-of-three Gordon Rutty gave away one of his kidneys to a complete stranger, and he couldn’t be happier with his decision.

FATHER-of-three Gordon Rutty gave away one of his kidneys to a complete stranger, and he couldn’t be happier with his decision.

Mr Rutty, 50, decided to become an altruistic kidney donor after losing a close friend, Craig, to cancer.

His selfless act of becoming a living donor and his ongoing charity work has seen him nominated for a Pride of Australia award.

“I couldn’t have done anything for Craig’s cancer, but his cancer made me think there were so many people out there living not a real good quality of life and I could help somebody,’’ the Gold Coast father said.

“I had heard people had done it before, and I always thought it was a great thing to do.’’

Mr Rutty said it took him several months to investigate the process and prepare for the operation. He was then in hospital for six days for the donation, which left him with one functioning kidney.

A few months later he received a thank you card from the anonymous recipient of his kidney.

“The person my kidney went to was married with children, they had spent the last five years on dialysis, hooked up to a machine,’’ he said.

“That was great to get that, it is an incredible feeling and very rewarding to know you have been able to give someone a better life, and potentially given them more life.’’

Doctors say there are no major health issues associated with living with one kidney, providing it is healthy.

Want to ensure someone you admire receives the recognition they deserve? Nominate at couriermail.com.au/prideofaustralia