A Fife man has given a complete stranger the gift of life.
As a national event is planned to raise awareness of altruistic kidney donation, former vet John Fletcher explained just what that means.
Since 2006, people have been able to donate a kidney to someone unknown to them, purely because they want to help someone.
To date, there have been more than 390 altruistic kidney donations in the UK.
With 421 people in Scotland currently on the kidney transplant waiting list, the event in Edinburgh on Thursday will bring together altruistic donors, medical experts and a transplant recipient to speak about the procedure.
Mr Fletcher, 68, from Auchtermuchty, donated his kidney at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in 2007.
He said: “I had a distant cousin who died waiting for a kidney transplant so I guess, subconsciously, I knew if it was an option, I’d want to help out however I could.
“I have gained a sense of satisfaction knowing that I’ve been able to give someone a gift that will change their lives for the better.
“For me, it was the best thing I ever did.”
Mr Fletcher’s recovery was very quick, allowing him to return to work within a few weeks.
For details on Thursday’s event call 0131 275 7925.