An ‘inspirational’ Lurgan kitman has been recognised by the President of the Irish FA for donating a kidney to a stranger.
Stephen Topping, who is a kitman at Glenavon FC, decided to donate an organ after his granddaughter Georgia Lyness faced kidney problems.
Stephen’s generosity was recognised by Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood, who invited him to be his special guest at Northern Ireland’s game against Bulgaria on Tuesday night.
The recipient of the kidney was Amy Smith, from south-west England, who also attended Northern Ireland’s 5-0 UEFA Nations League win in Belfast as a guest of Mr Kirkwood.
The President said: “I recently watched a television drama in which a person donated an organ to a stranger and it was thought provoking.
“Life often seems to imitate art but I never imagined that it would do so this quickly.
“When I saw Stephen’s story online, I was filled with admiration for his gift of life to a stranger.
“Amy’s life has been completely changed and their personal courage is an inspiration.”
Stephen told the BBC: “I thought if my granddaughter ever needed one then more than likely it might have to be from a stranger, so I thought ‘why can’t I do it for somebody else?'”
Amy travelled to Lurgan last month to meet the Topping family for the first time.
“It was surreal hearing Amy the first time I spoke to her on the phone and it was so surreal meeting her in person. It just makes it all worthwhile,” Stephen said.
Georgia has not required a transplant so far but she appreciates what her grandfather did because of what happened to her.
She said it was “a really nice thing” for him to donate a kidney.
After the meeting Amy said she hoped the two families would stay in touch.
“I’ve gone back to being me rather than me and my machine,” she pointed out.
“You only need one kidney to be able to live a normal life and you could save so many people’s lives by just donating that one kidney.”
