Busted star James Bourne has revealed his brother Chris “saved my life yet again” by donating a kidney to him after doctors told him he had “a few years left to live”.
The musician, 43, cited health issues when he pulled out of the Busted Vs McFly tour just a day before it was to kick off in September last year, with Chris stepping in to replace him.
He later revealed in April this year that he planned to undergo “major surgery that should extend my life”.
Bourne has since deleted his Instagram account and had not posted a detailed update on his health since July, when he told fans he was “not out of the woods yet”.
The musician posted on X on Monday and shared a smiling selfie alongside his youngest brother, writing: “I’m still alive and kicking and it’s all thanks to my brother.”
Bourne encouraged fans to read his Spotify bio for a health update, where he wrote a lengthy message which said: “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.
(left to right) James Bourne, Charlie Simpson and Matt Willis from Busted (Ian West/PA)
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“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.”
Chris replied to James’ post, writing: “We did it brother.”
James’ sentiments were echoed by Fiona Loud, policy director of the Kidney Care UK charity, who said: “James is absolutely right, his brother is a hero. As are all of those who step forward to be an organ donor for family, friends or even someone they have never even met.
“We’re pleased that he didn’t need to wait until the year 3000 to receive his transplant, as the kidney waiting list is the longest it’s ever been – so it’s great to see his brother has stepped in to help and was a match.
“We are very happy for James and Chris, we’re glad to hear they are recovering well, and we hope that James is able to get back to living his life to the full with his brother’s kidney soon.”
Bourne has not given any further details of his condition.
When announcing his withdrawal from the Busted Vs McFly tour last year, Bourne posted a message on Instagram saying he was “not in good enough health to play these shows”.
James Bourne from Busted (David Jensen/PA)
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“There’s a lot of information I still don’t have about my condition but my bandmates, management and I are unanimous in deciding that I should focus on the medical stuff for now,” he wrote at the time.
He went about six months without posting on Instagram before returning in April to reveal he was planning to undergo surgery, but did not say what for.
He posted: “I have a plan in place to have a major surgery that should extend my life and hopefully make me well enough to come back to what I love the most which is touring and making music. It really sucks to be out of the game. But there is hope!”
Busted were formed in 2000 and have released four studio albums, achieved four UK number-one singles and won two Brit Awards.