Mother's sacrifice

A MOTHER'S selfless devotion to her daughter has seen her make the ultimate sacrifice in a transplant tragedy.

Penny Halbish, wife of the former cricket supremo Graham, died a day after giving her daughter Suzanne, 29, the greatest gift - a life-saving kidney.

Suzanne returned home in good health last night but is reeling from the shock loss of her 62-year-old mother.

A devastated Mr Halbish, former chief executive of Cricket Australia, was by his daughter's side at home in Heatherton in Melbourne.

He paid tribute to his soulmate of 40 years.

"She made a tremendous impression on everyone she met," he said.

In a heartbreaking notice in the Herald Sun, Suzanne wrote: "Mamma, the most loving, caring, selfless mother ever. I will miss you forever. I am so proud to be your daughter."

Son Phil said his mother gave so much to the community as well as her family.

"She just lived for her family. She was very generous and caring. Everybody loved her," he said.

"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. Everyone was fully aware of what could go wrong. It is ridiculous."

The risk of a donor dying through a live kidney transplant is very low.

There have been 3931 kidney transplants in Australia since 1966, with the only other tragedy occurring in 2006.

Phil Halbish said the family discussed the risks, but as they watched kidney disease ravage Suzanne the family was determined to do everything possible to save her.

Mrs Halbish's own mother had died of surgical complications at just 52, but she had no hesitation in risking her life for her daughter.

After months of psychological and physical tests, mother and daughter had the transplant at Monash Medical Centre on Thursday.

Mrs Halbish, a grandmother of two, died on Friday.

"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," Phil said.

"She was strong, fit and healthy. This was a freak occurrence. Her heart was strong, her blood pressure was strong, but unfortunately she developed a clot, because she had surgery, which caused a heart attack and she passed away.

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

Southern Health director of nephrology Prof Peter Kerr said Ms Halbish's death had devastated all concerned.

The hospital referred the tragedy to the coroner and is conducting an internal investigation.