Mum Dies After Giving Kidney To Sick Daughter

Guest Tue 23 Jun - 11:08

An Australian mother has died after donating one of her kidneys to save her seriously ill daughter.

Penny Halbish - wife of the former head of the Australian Cricket Board, Graham Halbish - died a day after having her kidney transferred to daughter Suzanne at a Melbourne hospital.

The 62-year-old, described by her son Phil as being "strong, fit and healthy", developed a blood clot a day after surgery, which caused a fatal heart attack.

After recovering from her life-saving transplant and learning of her mother's death, the 29-year-old posted a tribute to her mother in the Herald Sun newspaper.

"Mamma, the most loving, caring, selfless mother ever. I will miss you forever. I am so proud to be your daughter," the notice read.

Suzanne is reported to be in good health at home in Melbourne.

Mrs Halbish's son Phil said the family knew the risks involved with the surgery, but his mother was unmoved in her desire to help her sick daughter.

"We were all anxious and apprehensive and it was such good news when she got through, then for it to happen - it is hard to believe," he told the Herald Sun.

"Everyone was fully aware of what could go wrong.

"Mum and dad both put their hand up to be donors. They were both matches, but unfortunately dad couldn't (have this surgery) so mum did.

"Mum gave Suzanne a fantastic kidney and she is recovering better than scheduled. She is shattered her mum is gone."

Melbourne's Monash Medical Centre has reportedly referred the tragedy to the coroner and is conducting an internal investigation.