Shopping centre Santa with kidney failure gets life-saving gift from Mrs Claus

Shopping centre Santa Claus Ian Wilson received a life-saving gift from none other than Mrs Claus this year. Read their heartwarming story.

Of all the Christmas gifts shopping mall Santa Claus Ian Wilson has promised Sydney children over the past 14 years, none was more valuable than the one given to him by his wife, Mrs Claus.

Mr Wilson, 75, from St Clair, was diagnosed with end stage kidney failure two years ago and after enduring dialysis treatment three times a week since April 2018, this holiday season he got the gift of life from wife Carol who provided him with a kidney.

Santa has received a life-saving kidney from Mrs Claus this year. Picture: David Swift

Ian Wilson, 75, from St Clair in Sydney's west was on dialysis for over two years. Picture: David Swift

“We started at-home dialysis treatment and I think that’s when Carol saw me struggling. She said to me, ‘Ian I’m going to donate my kidney to you’,” Mr Wilson said.

“I tried to tell her no because the only operation she’s ever had was getting her tonsils out, she’s never had a single stitch in her body, but she told me that it wasn’t my decision and it was something she really wanted to do. She got all the tests and it turns out she was a match.

“Thanks to my Mrs Claus, I have a brand new kidney.”

Mr Wilson got his new kidney this week at Westmead Hospital. Picture: Supplied

The pair has been married for nearly 40 years and, last week, Mr Wilson had his surgery at Westmead Hospital with Mrs Wilson by his side.

“It was such an obvious decision to her and in that moment I knew she loved me. I feel different now, I feel like my body is finally working the way it should, and I only have Carol to thank for that,” he said.

“She is a gem, my true saviour.”

He said his wife’s selfless act had completely transformed his life — perfectly capturing the true spirit of Christmas.

“I go to shopping centres, Christmas parties, you name it,’’ he said of his job. “I like to spread joy and make another people happy and by being Santa I can do that.

“Me and Mrs Claus are taking a little break this year but the elves are working hard to make sure all the children still get their presents.

This year his wife Carole, 59, was able to donate a kidney. Picture: David Swift

“I already got my Christmas wish and now all I want is a speedy, safe recovery for both myself and Carol.”

The pair is now focusing on recovering from the procedures with their four children and seven grandchildren around them for support.

“I am still petrified that my body will reject Carol’s kidney … but life’s too short to not live in the moment,” he said.