A Busted star who was told he only had a “few years left to live” has been saved by his brother’s life-saving kidney donation.
James Bourne was forced to drop out of a joint Busted and McFly tour last September, just a day before the shows began, due to poor health. He was replaced in the tour by his younger brother Chris.
Now, James has praised his sibling for “saving my life yet again” by donating a kidney to him.
The 43-year-old has shared few details regarding his illness, though in April he announced that he planned to undergo a “major surgery that should extend my life”. His last update was in July, where he told fans he was “not out of the woods yet”.
James, who has since deleted his Instagram account, posted a selfie with his brother on X on Monday, October 26. “I’m still alive and kicking and it’s all thanks to my brother,” he wrote.
He also encouraged fans to look at his Spotify biography, where he posted a lengthy update.
“Wow, what the hell happened?,” he began.
James Bourne and his Busted bandmates
“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,” he said, adding that both he and his “hero”, Chris, were now recovering from their surgeries.
Chris replied to James’ post, writing: “We did it brother.”
James Bourne posted an update on his health on his Spotify page
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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.
James Bourne said both he and his brother Chris are currently recovering
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”.
“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 explained.
Bourne, a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, shot to fame in the early 2000s, with hits such as “What I Go To School For”, “Year 3000” and “Crashed the Wedding”.