She will give him a kidney next week in a transplant operation at Westmead Hospital in Sydney.

Max Wilson found out less than a couple of years ago that he had kidney problems and it was in January this year that he learned he would need the kidney transplant.

It shook him considerably, but he was blown away by the offer of his sister, Cath to give him hers.

“Cathy did not hesitate when she found out.  I get very emotional thinking of her sacrifice.”

Max only went to the doctor a couple of years ago complaining of tiredness.

He took some tablets and underwent some tests, spending four days in hospital.

It was found he had too much protein around the heart – something which could be fatal – because a kidney was not functioning properly.

Then in January this year, a specialist diagnosed he would need a kidney transplant.

Quite surprised at how quickly things had happened, Max was unsure what to expect.

Then Cathy came forward to see if she was a suitable donor – which she was, and then it was all action to prepare for a transplant operation this year.

Max has had to undergo seven weeks of dialysis to ensure he is as fit as he possibly can be for the operation which will take place next week  Wednesday, October 29.

“It’s all been so quick,” Max said yesterday.  

 “It’s not as if I was sick or anything, just very tired.  It just creeps up on you, you don’t even know you are crook.

“Then Cath came forward.  She didn’t even hesitate when she found out she could provide a kidney.

“She has even lost 16.2 kilograms for me.

“During these weeks I have been receiving dialysis, I have been shocked at the number of local people also receiving treatment.

“There are quite a lot who are awaiting kidney transplants.

“I am very fortunate that Cath has provided this amazing donation so that I am able to get it done as soon as I am.”

Cath expects to be in hospital for four or five days after the operation, while Max will be there for about a week, before spending four to six weeks in a nearby lodge so he can receive close monitoring.

Max and Cathy grew up in Trundle and moved into Parkes about 40 years ago.

They have both since become strong members of the Parkes community.

Max joined the Central West County Council in 1976 and is married to Kim, with two sons, Jack (19) and Joe (16). 

He has been actively involved in local sport and schools.

Cathy and her husband, David operated their own business, before Cathy worked at the Parkes Post Office (three years), Food Service Central (three) before joining Northparkes Mines in December.

They have two children - Allan (29) and Bianca (27).

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Max and Cath are receiving financial support to assist with expenses during their hospitalisation.

Max has worked with the local electricity authority for almost 40 years, starting with Central West County Council (now Essential Energy).

The Parkes depot has a special staff fund where local employees contribute a weekly sum with the aim of helping others with donation.

Tony Fisher started work with Max at the depot on the very same day, January 13, 1976, and is a driving force behind the fund.

“We started this almost 20 years ago and were able to help young Ben Bolt get his heart,” Tony said.

“We have helped many others over the years, now it is time to help one of our own. 

“We made a unanimous decision to provide $1000 to help Cath and Max during this emotive time.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: It is virtually 12 months to the day when Ben Bolt had a kidney transplant from his sister Naomi (who Cathy caught up with over the weekend for a few tips).