Man donates kidney to save his ailing brother

10:14am Tuesday 12th June 2001

A van driver from Norbury has just completed the most important delivery of his life and saved his brother's life in the process.

Surjit Khalsi, 51, of Kilmartin Avenue, recently left hospital after donating one of his kidneys to his brother, Jaswant.

Jaswant, 53, an electronics engineer from Thornton Heath, has been suffering from kidney failure for the last seven years.

Despite dialysis treatment, his condition deteriorated until doctors decided he needed urgent surgery.

However, a shortage of donors meant things looked bleak until younger brother Surjit stepped in. “He is my brother so I wanted to help him,” said Surjit.

“After the operation I had to stay in bed for a few days because of an infection, but it was not important if it saved the life of my brother.”

Jaswant remained in hospital for a further couple of weeks after the operation for doctors to monitor him in case his diabetes caused any complications.

He has since been released and started his recovery, and describes his brother as a “hero”.

A Norbury councillor is now hoping that the brother's example will encourage other members of the Asian community to become blood and organ donors.

Coun Shafi Khan said: “Traditionally members of the Asian community are reluctant donors but they needn't be.

Perhaps it is to do with way they are brought up, for religious reasons, that they are worried about losing what they see as part of their body.

“What Surjit has done should be an example to us all, and I hope that people will see that actual lives can be saved.”

To apply to become a donor call 020 8296 3155.

Editor's Choice