Sydney’s Brad Anderson met wife Lisa on a dating website and then donated her one of his kidneys

SYDNEY couple Brad and Lisa Anderson met on RSVP four years ago and got married. And his heart is not the only major organ Lisa has taken.

Lisa and Brad Anderson in their Belrose home. Picture: Julian Andrews

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THEY are the remarkable Belrose couple who are joined at the hip in more ways than one.

When Brad Anderson, 48, met his future wife Lisa in 2013 through a dating website, he never thought he would one day be giving her a lifesaving body part.

But that’s what happened last month when Mr Anderson donated his left kidney.

Since birth, Mrs Anderson, 47, has had kidney problems, but complications following the birth of her daughter in 1995 caused her kidneys to deteriorate faster.

The need for a donor became critical about eight month ago and, incredibly, her husband proved to be a perfect match.

“He is my husband, my soulmate and is a fit in more ways than one,” she said.

“I honestly believe we were brought together for this reason.”

The couple both have A- blood types which is found in only about 7 per cent of people. Picture: iStock

Mrs Anderson’s doctor first suggested testing her parents for their suitability as donors, before testing her husband. Mr Anderson didn’t think twice about losing a kidney.

“If somebody needs an organ, they should be willing to give it up,” he said. “I was thinking there would be no chance there would be a match but when there was, it was like ... this is for real.”

He was the perfect candidate in part thanks to having the same blood type — A-negative — which, according to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, is only found in about 7 per cent of the population.

Mr Anderson’s left kidney was placed into the right side of Mrs Anderson’s waist and her original kidneys remain where they are.

Brad said giving his wife his kidney was a very easy thing to do. Picture: Julian Andrews

Mrs Anderson said the early stages of the recovery had been difficult but she was starting to see the effects of her new organ.

“The first 10 days I was in hospital, it was very hard,” she said. “I would say this (past) week is my turning point. I feel good, I have a lot more energy, I’m sleeping better and I can see a lot of positives.

“I’m going to look after it (the new kidney) and treasure it every day ... my life is blessed.”

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Asked if he had any hesitation about donating the kidney, Mr Anderson said: “Not really.”

“It was very easy to do,” he said. “The support and information you get does put your mind at ease.”

Mrs Anderson is taking part in the Big Red Kidney Walk. To support her fundraiser click here.