The best dad in the world

[okarol]

The best dad in the world

Monday, September 29, 2008, 08:00

KEN Tomkins is a sore but happy man after giving the gift of life to his young son.

The 36-year-old has donated one of his kidneys to Corey, whose only kidney was failing. The 12-year-old almost died after being born with severe renal problems and had to have one of his kidneys removed when he was eight months old.

Now, thanks to his dad, he has two kidneys again after both underwent transplant operations in Bristol.

Ken said that, so far, both he and Corey were recovering well.

Speaking at their Tewkesbury home, he said: "I'm over the moon. It all seems to be working. If it does keep working, it will be the best thing I've ever done."

But the former soldier, who served with the Royal Signals in the first Gulf War, admitted it had been tough.

He said: "It's been a long couple of weeks. It's knocked me for six, more than I thought it would do.

"I'm really tired and still quite sore but I'm managing to walk around.

"Corey seems to be a lot better than I am.

"It looks to be successful at the minute. They say the normal rejection period is seven to 10 days so the next few days are crucial."

Without getting his dad's healthy kidney, Corey faced being put on dialysis and added to a waiting list for a transplant.

He was allowed home to the family's house in Wheal Road, Northway, on Thursday but only for one day. He is now back at Bristol Children's Hospital where he is likely to remain for a few more days until being allowed home permanently.

Corey, a pupil at Tewkesbury School, said: "I'd like to thank my dad. He saved my life and he's the best dad in the world.

"I feel so much better. Before I was tired but now I've got my energy back.

"It was a bit nerve wracking going into the operation as I didn't know what the outcome would be but it went fine and I'm relieved.

"I just want to thank the hospital and my dad for doing so much for me."

Ken's wife, Becky, has been busy looking after the couple's other children, Olivia, four, Samuel, two. and one-year-old Byron.

Ken said the family had a scare while he and Corey were in Bristol.

Byron had a fit while with his grandmother but doctors say he should be fine.

Ken, who works at Tewkesbury printing firm Pindar Graphics, will be off work for a while, leading to fears him and Becky might struggle financially.

But Ken said family and friends had rallied round and he felt they would manage. Other members of the community have also helped.

He said: "We've had a couple of generous donations from the churches and one elderly person gave us £200."

He added: "Hopefully we'll get back to normal soon and we can get on with our lives."

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/latestnews/Ken-Corey-recover-kidney-operations/article-358923-detail/article.html