Brothers from Another Mother

This post covers a slightly more serious subject. My friend, Gavin, here in Birmingham was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease when he was 12.  By the time he was in his thirties, it became clear that, without a kidney transplant, his life would be in jeopardy. So, the search began for a match. Unfortunately, no one in his family was suitable but, before going further afield and registering for an organ transplant, members of his extended family and some friends volunteered to be tested.  Quite surprisingly, the brother of Clair, Gavin's wife, was a perfect match. Now, I've known Darren since he was about two and he is a class act through and through, not to mention very intelligent and wickedly funny. There was no question for him what he would do.  So nearly 4 years ago, the guys went into the Queen Elizabeth Hospital here in Birmingham and Darren gave Gavin the life saving kidney. Since then, they set up a charity group called Organ Finders which aims to raise the profile of organ donation through sport.  Together with friends and family, over the last 2 years they've participated in various sporting competitions (running, cycling and swimming) and have raised over £35,000.  Gavin and Darren are both serious, avid cyclists and the best of friends. I know they would want me to mention the link to their charity and it is: www.uk.viginmoneygiving.com/organfinders.  They would also say it is very important to make sure you are registered as an organ donor.  Below are two photos: one taken when they were in hospital in 2011 and the second today after our walk around the city centre.