When former army major Winston George has his kidney transplant, which begins at 8 am today, it will be with the full support and prayers of his extended family.

Keith George, one of the five siblings of the transplant patient confirmed yesterday that another of their siblings was a match to donate a kidney to his brother, but was forced to opt out because of health reasons. Winston George will receive a kidney from his 25-year-old daughter Melissa today.

However, Keith George stressed that the transplant patient had the full support of his extended family.

Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy, at a press briefing yesterday morning, noted the importance of having kidney donors for such operations. “Many times operations are held up because no donor can be found or is willing to come forward.”