Glasgow man, James Alexander Borland, tragically passed away last year at the age of 25. He went on to save the lives of four other men through organ donation, including Kevin Brogan from Stirling who received his heart. Another man received his lungs in a double lung transplant, and two others each received a kidney.
As of 30 June 2025, 625 patients in Scotland remain on the transplant waiting list. Across the UK, the number has risen to 8,040 patients as of 5 September 2025. That’s an increase from 7,752 this time last year. To mark Organ Donation Week 2025 (22-28 Sep), James’ mum, Audrey Cameron (58) and heart recipient, Kevin have bravely shared their stories.
“I want the world to know how proud I am of James. He was a shy, caring young man with a close-knit group of friends. James was a huge Liverpool FC supporter, but he had a friend who supported Celtic. That friend had some challenges and used a wheelchair. Despite Celtic not being James’ team, he supported his friend by going with him to Celtic matches, so he could enjoy the game. That’s the kind of person he was. Selfless. His two sisters and I adored him, and he had a beautiful son he loved,” said Audrey.
In February 2024, James was found in a serious condition at home. He was taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Audrey shared the moment she realised her son wouldn’t survive. She said:
“The medical team did everything they could, but I felt in my heart that it was his time. I asked the nurses about organ donation. They explained the steps including brain activity tests and assessments, before it could be considered. Once it was clear James wouldn’t recover, we knew organ donation was the right choice.
“James was a wonderful person and, while we had never had the discussion, I know he would have wanted to do this. He had a knee injury a few years ago and he needed three new ligaments. Those ligaments came from an organ and tissue donor, so he had experienced firsthand the generosity of another person doing this. He would be happy to know that he has given life to others.”
Audrey described her experience with the NHSGGC Organ and Tissue Donation team. She said:
“The nurses were so helpful as they guided us through what would happen and provided us with the information we needed. There was no pressure, just support. We were also lucky to have the time for James’ sisters and friends to gather round him and say their goodbyes. This isn’t always an option and I’m blessed that were able to do so. Me and some of these friends have since ensured that we’re on the register for organ donation since James’ passing.”
A year following James’ passing, Audrey attended The Order of St John Award ceremony for donor families. Then, through NHS Blood and Transplant’s anonymous letter system, she received messages from two recipients whose lives James had saved. One of them was Kevin.
“At the very end of 2023, I was admitted to the NHS Golden Jubilee hospital in Clydebank, with no previously known health issues, after suffering a heart attack,” said Kevin. “I spent the next three months in the care of the Scottish National Advanced Heart Failure Service, who initially tried to recover my heart, and then advised me that my only option for survival would be to receive a heart transplant. This news was so difficult for me and my loved ones to receive.”
On 22 February 2024, Kevin received his new heart, which he later learned was donated by James, the same day of his wedding anniversary to husband, Graeme. Kevin said:
“To receive this amazing gift, another family has to go through the traumatic experience of losing a family member and agreeing to the donation. Working with a specialist team, the family of my donor, James, gave me the gift of continuing with my life and I am forever grateful to them.”
James’s family were supported throughout every stage of the process by the Organ Donation Team, NHS Blood and Transplant, Scotland. They care for patients who are reaching the end of their lives for many different reasons, and their families.
The organ donation process is a complex and sensitive part of end-of-life care, and it is their duty to guide the intensive care units, donors and their loved ones through this.
They cover all aspects of the process from the point of being referred a patient, meeting their family, friends, and children, managing care and stabilising conditions, coordinating theatre processes, and ensuring organs are safely transported to their destinations. Importantly, they also manage follow-up care for the bereaved families.
Anthony McGeown, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation is part of this team of specialists. He explained why organ donation and why speaking about organ donation is so important:
“Last year (24/25), we facilitated 25 organ donors across all NHSGGC sites resulting in 65 transplants across the UK. That’s 65 lives that have been given the opportunity to be saved thanks to family members agreeing that their loved one’s organs can be donated.
“Since moving to an opt-out system in 2021, the number of those available to donate organs has increased substantially which is good. However, a hesitation remains among family members who may not be aware of their loved one’s wishes.
“Even if you have registered your choice, your family have the final decision. This is why it is so important to register to be clear and to discuss with them what your wishes are. This will make it easier for them to ensure your decision is honoured.”
Please make you decision clear on the register today by visiting: How to register | Organ Donation Scotland