THE mother of a boy who will require multiple kidney transplants during his life has urged people to sign up to the organ donor register.

The Daily Echo is running a campaign this Christmas in a bid to help the 81 patients in Dorset waiting for a transplant.

Su Brimble, who lives in Southbourne, knows only too well how much donating an organ can transform and save lives.

Her son, 14-year-old Lewis, is one of just 10 people in the country to suffer from MPGN Type 2, which resulted in kidney failure and five years on dialysis.

Su donated one of her own kidneys to him in 2011, but the nature of his condition means it will inevitably fail at some point in the future.

“For a mother to watch their child so ill is just crucifying,” said Su. “Life on dialysis is grim.”

She added that Lewis’s suffering, which was exacerbated by symptoms including appetite problems and hypertension, had a ‘devastating’ impact on the family, with her other child missing out on vital parenting time.

“Until you know somebody who is affected you don’t understand how bad it can be,” she said.

“Since the transplant he has come back to normality instead of just enduring an existence, which is what dialysis does to you.”

Since undergoing the surgery, sporty Lewis has won a series of medals at the UK Transplant games, competing in badminton, table tennis, the 100m and long jump.

He is set to represent Team GB at next year’s World Transplant Games in Argentina.

“I urge everybody to sign up this Christmas and tell a loved one about their decision,” Su added.

“It is a waste otherwise – the organs could be saving lives.

“Heaven knows, they are not needed in heaven.”

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register, visit organdonation .nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 or text SAVE to 62323.