A woman who was only hours away from donating a kidney to her long-suffering husband has spoken of her disappointment after the operation was postponed at the 11th hour.
Julie Duke, 47, of Shrubcote, Tenterden, was told that she had been diagnosed with a water infection while undergoing last-minute checks at Guy’s hospital last week in preparation for the vital kidney transplant for husband, Andy, 53.
It marked the third cancellation of the long-awaited op.
She said: “I was upset as you can imagine - you feel that you have done something to ruin it.
“Andy was really downhearted because he had gone through it all twice.
“You psyche yourself up and then they pull the plug on it.
“I understand their reasons for doing it.”
Mr Duke’s chronic kidney problems seemed destined to be solved by the most amazing luck after it was discovered that his wife was a perfect match - a rare occurrence that doctors would only really expect between those who are related.
But a preliminary blood test on the day of the operation led to the bad news.
Mrs Duke, mother of kmfm presenter Adam Dowling, was unaware of the complaint. She said: “I had no symptoms at all.
“They gave me antibiotics through an injection and then a course of antibiotics.”
It is hoped that Mrs Duke may be ready for more tests and the operation itself next week.