A young Buddie has raised £450 for people living with kidney failure despite struggling with the illness himself.
Lucas Webster, from Glenburn, Paisley, was born with renal problems and, now aged 22, needs a kidney transplant.
But earlier this year, despite his own health problems, Lucas launched a second online fundraiser in support of Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital renal unit patient fund.
His long stays at the hospital as an inpatient, and as a recipient of dialysis, mean he knows all too well the challenges facing people living with kidney failure.
These experiences and getting to know many other patients and staff at the unit inspired Lucas to launch the online campaign to raise cash for and awareness of renal failure.
His first effort in February last year raised £330, with his most recent fundraiser reaching £450.
And mum Sandra Webster said she could not be more proud of him.
She told the Paisley Daily Express: “Lucas and I want to thank everyone who contributed. It’s really appreciated and we know the staff and patients at the renal ward really appreciate it too.
“The money will be used for patients who are in hospital and need some essentials.
“Often patients with kidney failure can be taken to hospital in an emergency. This money will give them the opportunity to buy things in hospital, toiletries, pyjamas, things like that.”
Familiar with the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Lucas has been waiting for a kidney transplant for three years.
He currently endures six-hourly dialyses sessions three times a week to keep his kidneys functioning while he waits for a match. “It’s a lot for him,” Sandra admitted.
“He finds it difficult and does get down at times but he keeps himself going with projects like this and helping other people by raising funds and awareness.
“He has had these kidney problems all his life. It’s really not nice and he’s such a brave and great young man.
“He should be away travelling, living a full life, like other people his age, so for him to be thinking of others right now, I think shows just how kind he is.”
Lucas underwent a major operation six months ago and is now waiting and praying for a phone call to say a kidney has become available.
Sandra is unfortunately unable to donate a kidney herself as a result of her own health issues.
“It truly is the gift of life,” Sandra said. “At the moment, Lucas can’t leave the local area, or be more than an hour from the hospital in case he does get a call.
“The consultant told us he has never known anyone Lucas’ age to wait so long.
"Hopefully it will happen this year.”
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