Co Antrim man celebrates 50 years with life-saving kidney transplant

Alan Morton pictured with his wife Gail at a celebratory party held in Antrim Area Hospital’s Renal Unit to mark the 50th anniversary of his kidney transplant.

A Larne man is marking an extraordinary milestone that few could ever imagine — living half a century with a donated kidney that gave him the chance to grow up, build a family, and live a full life.

Alan Morton was just 15 years old when he underwent a pioneering kidney transplant. Fifty years on, he is still living with the same organ — a powerful, deeply human reminder of the life-changing impact of organ donation.

Today, Alan’s story is not just one of survival, but of everything that followed: 40 years of marriage to his wife Gail, three children, and three granddaughters — a life that might never have happened.

“Organ donation made a huge difference to me,” Alan said.

“Life has been very good and I am very, very thankful. I have had this kidney for 50 years — it has given me a whole life.”

A moment that changed everything

Alan Morton as a young boy.

Alan’s journey began long before the transplant itself.

At just ten years old, what first appeared to be a simple rash was later diagnosed as Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP), a condition that severely damaged his kidneys. Despite medication and gruelling dialysis — 14 hours a day, twice a week — his condition worsened.

He vividly recalls the moment his future shifted.

“One thing that sticks in my mind was my mum standing at the bottom of the hospital bed, and the doctor saying, ‘he’s going to really need a transplant’… Mum was in tears.”

Then came the call.

“It was about six o’clock at night… we were just sitting down. I had saved up my potato rations and was having about four chips for my dinner. We didn’t have a car, so we phoned a cousin who took us to Belfast. The streets were so quiet… and it all happened very quickly from there.”

A gift that shaped a lifetime

Alan Morton pictured with his wife Gail on their wedding day.

Alan Morton, a talented musician and singer, was well known in the local band scene in Northern Ireland. He is pictured here with one of his children.

The transplant was a success — and what followed was a life reclaimed.

Alan returned to school, completed his A-Levels, and went on to build a career at Larne’s Paper Mill. A talented musician and singer, he became a familiar face in Northern Ireland’s local band scene, performing everything from country to heavy rock.

He also developed a passion for photography, computers, and lifelong learning — all made possible by a single act of generosity.

To mark his 50-year “kidneyversary”, a special celebration was held at the Renal Unit in Antrim Area Hospital, where Alan was joined by family and the healthcare staff who continue to support him.

Alan Morton pictured with his family during a celebratory party held in Antrim Area Hospital’s Renal Unit to mark the 50th anniversary of his kidney transplant.

Sharon Brown, Renal Nurse Specialist with the Northern Trust, said the milestone was deeply meaningful.

“When you think of the kidney Alan received as a 15-year-old boy and the life it has given him — the family he has enjoyed and the years he has lived — it is something worth marking.”

Remembering the unseen hero

Though Alan does not know the identity of his donor, he remains profoundly aware of the sacrifice made.

“If my donor’s family had declined, my life would have been completely different.”

He believes more people might consider donation if they understood its long-term impact.

“If somebody told you a kidney donation could make a difference for 50 or 60 years, I think more people might decide to go for it.”

A message for Northern Ireland

Alan Morton cuts his ‘kidneyversary’ cake during a celebratory party held in Antrim Area Hospital’s Renal Unit to mark the 50th anniversary of his kidney transplant.

Alan’s story comes as dozens of people across Northern Ireland continue to wait for the same life-changing call.

Currently, 82 people are on the active transplant list for a kidney-only transplant. Between April and December 2025, 40 people donated their kidneys after death — offering hope to those in need.

While Northern Ireland operates an ‘opt-out’ system, donation still depends on family consent, making conversations with loved ones crucial.

If you want to be an organ donor, the best way to make this known is by making sure you are on the NHS Organ Donor Register and talking to your family so they are aware and understand.

By confirming your decision, you are giving hope to those who are waiting on the same call that Alan’s family received 50 years ago. Under the ‘opt-out’ system, donation can still only go ahead with your family’s support, which is why it remains so important to have the conversation and leave your loved ones certain of your decision.


Ring 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.organdonationni.info to find out more and confirm your support for organ donation.

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At a glance

• Larne man Alan Morton celebrates 50 years with a transplanted kidney

• He received the transplant at age 15 after kidney failure caused by HSP

• The same kidney has supported him for five decades

• Alan has since built a full life — marriage, children, and grandchildren

• A celebration was held at Antrim Area Hospital’s Renal Unit

• 82 people in Northern Ireland are currently awaiting kidney transplants

• 40 kidney donations took place between April and December 2025

• Family consent remains essential under the opt-out system

• Organ donation can transform and extend lives for decades