A man who holds the world record for the longest time on dialysis celebrated his award with the people who have supported him through the years.
Mahesh Mehta, 61, from Stanmore, was awarded the Guinness World Record for the longest time on kidney dialysis last year, now 43 years and counting.
On May 11, an event was organised by staff at Northwick Park Hospital to mark his unique life experience.
Led by Dr Neill Duncan, consultant nephrologist, head nurse Claire Edwards and senior nurse Debbie Haynes, the evening recognised those who have been a part of Mahesh’s medical journey.
Mahesh and his Consultant, Dr Neill Duncan
Mahesh discovered his record just before Christmas 2017 after he and his family gathered evidence of his medical records throughout the years and sent them to the world record organisation.
His Guinness World Record was on display with photo boards and memories over the years.
Mahesh recounted his story with good humour, recalling the highs and lows and thanking those who had supported him, including his 82-year-old mother, Bhanumati Mehta, who cares for him full-time.
Professor David Taube and Professor Julian Redhead, discussing the incredible achievement and Guinness World Record
Mahesh used the occasion to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation so future kidney patients have a greater chance of finding a match.
Mahesh started using dialysis when his kidneys failed at 18.
He had two failed kidney transplants, one in 1979 and one in 1990, and was on home dialysis before and after the operations at St Mary’s Hospital.
He said: “Although this record is not something I was aiming for in life – because I’d rather have working kidneys – I remained on dialysis because I couldn’t face a third operation.”
During the event, Mahesh and his guests were treated to a specially written song by music therapist David Thorpe.
David Thorpe, music therapist for Nordoff Robbins
Other attendees included professor David Taube, consultant nephrologist and professor of transplant medicine, professor Julian Redhead, interim chief executive and consultant in emergency medicine at St Mary’s Hospital, ex-Mayor of Harrow, councillor Ajay Maru, Penne Sawford, chair of the West London Kidney Patient Association and Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the Council of the British Medical Association.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here