James Bourne and brother Chris / © Spotify
Busted star James Bourne has revealed that his younger brother Chris has donated a kidney to him in a life-saving operation.
The 43-year-old singer-songwriter was forced to pull out of the Busted vs McFly tour at the 11th hour last Autumn after receiving a shock health diagnosis.
Bourne has still yet to confirm his exact condition, although earlier this year he revealed that he was undergoing surgery to “extend my life”.
Writing on his Spotify bio, he told fans: “Wow, what the hell happened? One minute you’re heading out on tour, the next thing you know you’re on the bench and out of the game.
“My condition was serious and the doctors told me I had a few years left to live.
“I’m happy to share now that my youngest brother, Chris, who stepped in for me on tour last year, has saved my life yet again.
“This time quite literally by donating me one of his kidneys.
“I can’t believe how much better I’m starting to feel already. I’m still going to need some time, but I wanted you to know that we’re both recovering from surgery just fine. My brother is a hero.”
Speaking to The Sun, Chris said: “James fell ill right before the tour started. After his diagnosis I volunteered to be a donor, in the middle of the tour, and after a bunch of tests, it was revealed that I was a near perfect match, so it was a no-brainer for me.”
He added: “I was told that the op was going to happen at some point this year, it was all dependent on James’s wellbeing. Suddenly, we were given a date for early October.”
