A West Yorkshire father and son are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the living donor kidney transplant that saved the dad’s life and transformed his health.

Lewis Smith donated a kidney to his father, David Smith, at St James’ Hospital in Leeds on April 29, 2016, after 20 years of managing an autoimmune condition that eventually led to kidney failure.

The pair are celebrating the milestone with a family trip to Valencia, joined by David’s wife and Lewis’ mother, Deborah.

David and Lewis Smith the day after David came home from his transplant operation (Image: Supplied)

David Smith, 66, said: “I can’t thank Lewis enough. He was absolutely brilliant and a rock.

“He was so determined and unwavering once he put his hand up.

“Every year we get together on our ‘kidneyversary’ to celebrate our kidneys and we never forget his gift of life.

“The transplant has been life-saving and life-changing.”

From left, David with son Lewis, daughter Juliette and wife Debra celebrating Kidneyversary in April 2024 (Image: Supplied)

The retired accountant, who lives in Clifton near Brighouse, was placed on the transplant list in 2013.

His consultants told him early on that a living donor transplant would offer him the best chance of long-term health.

In 2015, Lewis began the process to donate.

David and Lewis in front of the Swedish flag in Gothenburg (Image: Supplied)

Lewis, now 34, said: “I thought the best strategy was to write Dad a letter as I suspected he might just say no straight away, without giving it proper consideration, if I suggested it in person.

“I laid out the arguments pragmatically and rationally as to why it was a good idea, showing him I’d done my research.

“I knew that I could live a full life with just one kidney and that my quality of life wouldn’t change at all afterwards.”

David visiting Lewis in Sweden (Image: Supplied)

After a series of compatibility tests, the transplant went ahead.

Both recovered well after surgery, crediting the support of Debra and Lewis’ sister, Juliette.

David said: “I remember vividly coming round from the transplant operation and the consultant telling me my kidney function had gone from six, before the procedure, to 86 – I thought he was joking.

“It’s now been settled between 60 to 70 for the last 10 years, which is great.”

Now retired, David enjoys travelling, walking, and playing padel tennis.

He and his wife regularly visit their daughter Juliette and her husband, who live near Leicester.

Lewis, who now lives in Gothenburg, Sweden, continues to raise awareness about organ donation.

He said: “You can’t compare Dad from before the transplant to what he’s like now.

“It’s a joy.”