This is how one man gave his best mate the gift of life

This is the story of how one man gave his best mate of 40 years the ultimate gift.

Michael Witham from Yeppoon who was the recipient of a new kidney thanks to the generous donation by his best mate, pictured with his daughter Danielle and wife Lenette. Picture Lachie Millard

There isn’t much lifelong best friends Paul Coxhead and Michael Witham wouldn’t do for one another.

So when Mr Witham, 66, needed a kidney donation for his long-term polycystic kidney disease, Mr Coxhead, 64, said it was a “no-brainer” to put his hand up.

“Two or three months out of my life seemed like nothing to help Michael for 10 to 15 years of his life,” he said.

Michael Witham from Yeppoon was the recipient of a new kidney thanks to the generous donation by his best mate of 40 years, Paul Coxhead. Picture: Lachie Millard

Mr Coxhead said if he had a third kidney he’d donate it again.

“For me, it was about avoiding having him sitting in a dialysis chair and I just thought he didn’t deserve that type of lifestyle considering what a giving person he’s always been.”

The pair have known each other for the past 40 years since they worked together in the mines and played footy together.

“We became thick as thieves after that,” Mr Coxhead said.

“That (the donation) is just what you do for a good friend.”

Meanwhile, Mr Witham said he felt “very humbled” and “emotional” to have received Mr Coxhead’s donated kidney.

Michael Witham was the recipient of a new kidney thanks to the generous donation by his best mate of 40 years, Paul Coxhead. In order (L-R) Lenore Coxhead, Paul Coxhead, Lenette Witham and Michael Witham. Photo: Supplied.

“Just knowing Paul had my back, it’s so much easier to go through the surgery,” he said.

“It was so reassuring and Paul never wavered through the whole process, I said ‘are you ready to give it a miss? Whatever you decide it won’t affect our friendship,’ and he looked at me as if ‘What? I’m not going to change my mind.’”

Mr Witham said since the surgery on January 29 this year, he’s never felt better.

“I just have so much more energy now and can do so much more,” he said.

“How many people are going to put their hand up and volunteer for something like this? It’s humbling to know there’s such good people like that in the world.”

How to register as an organ donor.