A BORDERS man has spoken of his hopes for the future three months on from donating his kidney to transform his wife’s health.

Tests showed David McIntosh, from Galashiels, was the 'perfect match' to help wife of more than 30 years Lorna – after her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes caused her kidney function to slowly deteriorate.

With the couple’s recovery continuing, Lorna described the change to her health as a "miracle", with her kidney function back to what it was 15 years ago.

The mum of three was diagnosed with diabetes aged one.

And it impacted on her health throughout her life, with ischemic heart disease resulting in her needing stents and her kidney function deteriorating to the point where she was registered on the deceased donor transplant waiting list in 2021.

David put himself forward to be tested as a potential donor and the couple and their three children were shocked to learn he was a match.

He said: “We knew going into it the chances were very, very slim and I was a bit taken aback when the transplant co-ordinator came back to say I was a match. The shock meant it took a few seconds to adjust to what we were going into, but without hesitation, I wanted to press ahead.

“I was a bit overweight, so had to lose weight to get my BMI where it needed to be. That involved a complete lifestyle change which was difficult, but my goal and focus was Lorna.

“I lost around two-and-a-half stone over nine months and the tests continued to ensure I was in good health. By that point Lorna’s kidney function was at the point where the transplant unit said the surgery needed to happen and a date was set.

“I was full of emotion and anxiety as I’d never had surgery before. There was no way I was going to back out, even though I was continually reminded that opportunity was there.

"I kept being told how selfless I was, but I actually felt selfish because what I was doing was for me as much as for Lorna – her condition meant we had no quality of life as a couple.

"Lorna could do very little as her energy levels were so low. So, for me, this was about levelling up.

“Everything hit me when I was getting trollied into the theatre, but I felt comfortable in the fact I was in safe hands and I was doing the right thing for the right person.”

Lorna, who hopes to return to her nursing career this year, said: “I had no idea how great I would feel so quickly.

"My family came to visit me after the surgery and couldn’t believe how I was. It’s just been amazing, I recently managed a four mile walk which wouldn’t have been possible before. Getting back the things I took for granted, like being able to taste and enjoy food, is just incredible.

“I’m not normally stuck for words, but I have been throughout all of this. I’m not a believer in miracles but it’s the only way you can describe it.”