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Former Premier League player Kevin McDonald is gearing up to face Manchester City in the FA Cup Third Round, thanks to a life-saving intervention from his brother.
The third-tier team Exeter City aims to achieve one of the biggest upsets in the competition this weekend.
Kevin McDonald recovered after his brother’s life-saving interventionCredit: INSTAGRAM
The midfielder underwent a kidney transplantCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
At 37, McDonald is eager to maintain his position at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the central midfielder had to overcome a critical kidney transplant in 2021, with his brother Fraser serving as the heroic donor.
McDonald was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys after a medical examination at Burnley in 2008.
Plans for surgery at the end of his career were put on hold when he found himself with only one functioning kidney, operating at just 10 percent due to the disease's progression.
In an interview with BBC Sport , McDonald remarked: “You can consider the transplant life-saving because it truly was.
“I will always be thankful to Fraser. I would have done the same for him. The important thing is that we’re both here and as healthy as we can be.
“I vividly recall the call from the hospital. They said: ‘we really need to proceed with this’ and ‘you seriously need to contemplate retiring’.
“I was at Fulham and had opportunities to go on loan to several clubs, including interest from a team in China. Then everything changed.”
McDonald’s kidney transplant occurred at Guy’s Hospital in London, but complications arose.
Even though Fraser was a perfect match, the fan favorite spent eight hours daily on a drip due to a significant rejection.
Ultimately, it took 18 days before he was discharged by the doctors.
Fraser, 40, is astonished that his brother is still playing after making a full recovery from his remarkable gesture.
He expressed: “I remember thinking: ‘let’s do this, I need to protect my younger brother’.
“I’m incredibly proud of my brother. He has achieved remarkable things, especially after the kidney operation.
“It requires immense determination to recover from something like that and to play professionally again.”
McDonald achieved promotion to the Premier League twice with FulhamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Scotsman was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease affecting the kidneys after a medical at BurnleyCredit: PA:Empics Sport
McDonald returned to Exeter for a second stint in November 2024 and has since made 17 appearances this season.
The former Scotland international previously played for clubs like Sheffield United and Wolves earlier in his career.
He achieved promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and 2020, following a similar feat with Burnley in 2009.
FAQs
What health challenges did Kevin McDonald face?
Kevin McDonald faced significant health challenges, including an autoimmune disease that affected his kidneys, ultimately leading to a life-saving kidney transplant in 2021.
Who was Kevin McDonald's kidney donor?
Kevin McDonald's kidney donor was his brother, Fraser McDonald, who made the heroic decision to donate his kidney.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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