Boy has 'best summer ever' after lockdown kidney transplant

A seven-year-old boy who had a kidney transplant during lockdown has returned to school after the ”best summer of his life”.

Christopher Cairney, who was born with kidney dysplasia and spent four years on dialysis, received a lifesaving and life-changing kidney transplant at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow last summer.

One year on, the youngster fromLarkhall, South Lanarkshire has enjoyed a summer filled with fun and activity, just like any other seven-year-old.

Mum Stacey said: “It’s been incredible to watch. My boy running about the beach, in and out the water and playing like all the other wee boys.

“When he was on dialysis, we were at the hospital three days a week. While they were lovely, it was a tie, we couldn’t go away anywhere as we were there so often. He could only have the shallowest bath, because of his dialysis line.

“This summer he has been on the beach, splashing in the sea and running about with his wee sister Lexii. He can run faster than her now, which is how it should be.

“Watching that as a mum has been the best. My wee boy being able to be a wee boy at last.

“He got his dream of a pool party for his birthday in July – just our wee bubble but it was really special. The kids all had a ball.”

Christopher's dream of a pool party finally came true for his birthday in July. — Christopher’s dream of a pool party finally came true for his birthday in July. Email

While on dialysis, Christopher was also limited in what foods he could eat and struggled to put on weight.

Stacey said: “He has changes so much; taken a real stretch and filled out. When he started in P1 he was in age three to four clothes.

“I have just got him his new uniform and he’s in age seven to eight and his jacked is a nine to ten.

“His favourite is pepperoni pizza at the moment.”

Christopher has been under the care of specialists at the Royal Hospital for Children all his life and continues to be monitored by his kidney team.

Stacey said: “They are all amazing; they became like family. We are back up for an appointment soon and I can’t wait for them all to see him and how much he’s grown. All their hard work has paid off.”

Dr Ben Reynolds, Christopher’s kidney doctor, said ‘Everyone in the team is delighted with how well Christopher has done after his transplant.

“He was a bundle of energy on dialysis and was regularly up to mischief on the ward.

“It is fantastic that all his energy (and mischievousness!) is now used up at home and school instead.”