I'm giving my son a kidney so he can make sure he stays activeÂ

A FATHER is giving his son the ultimate gift in order to give him his life back.
Stephen Mullins and his dad Clifford at a wedding in 2016Stephen Mullins and his dad Clifford at a wedding in 2016
Stephen Mullins and his dad Clifford at a wedding in 2016

Last year Stephen Mullins and his parents visited the opticians for a regular check up but after Stephen's examination he was advised to get an emergency appointment at Queen Alexandra Hospital.

Dad Clifford from Cosham said: '˜The optician had seen blood spots which is caused by high blood pressure and so Stephen had to go to hospital pretty immediately.

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'˜They did test after test and it took them over a month to find out he had Berger's disease which is a kidney disorder.'

Clifford Mullins with his son Stephen at a family garden partyClifford Mullins with his son Stephen at a family garden party
Clifford Mullins with his son Stephen at a family garden party

Stephen, 34, has been under kidney dialysis since April but his father wants him to get back to his active lifestyle and has decided to donate his son a kidney.

Stephen has said that he knows he is very lucky to be in the position to receive a kidney so quickly after diagnosis.

Clifford said: '˜He used to be so active before all this happened and although he has started going back to the gym and doing gentle exercise I want him to be back to doing all the sports that he loves.'

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Stephen used to regularly compete in marathons and other running challenges and it is hoped the kidney operation will allow him to continue with his passion.

Stephen Mullins with his medal at the Brighton Marathon last yearStephen Mullins with his medal at the Brighton Marathon last year
Stephen Mullins with his medal at the Brighton Marathon last year

Clifford said: '˜We went to the Brighton Marathon last year with him and he also did a 50-mile challenge in the Lake District and he has more that he wants to complete so I am more than happy to help my son.'

After giving his son the greatest gift, Clifford now wants to give back to the Renal Unit at Queen Alexandra Hospital.

He said: '˜I am part of the Highbury Players and we always do plays and raise money for a different charity and this time I wanted the money to go to QA because the treatment and support they have given me and my son is truly amazing.'

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The group has been performing the comedy Cold Front by Alan Robinson since Tuesday with their final performance this evening at 7.30pm at St Philips Church in Cosham.

Member John Morris said: '˜We love doing plays and it is great to raise money for so many worthy charities and in the past we have made donations to Off The Record in Havant, and to Hannah's Holiday Homes. 

'˜But this time it is particularly special because of the close connection we have with the renal unit because of Cliff and Stephen.'

For more information visit on the Highbury Players visit facebook.com/pages/category/Theatrical-Play/Highbury-Players-1697610780498203/