Tayside Medical History Museum - Ronnie McIntosh

One of Dundee’s Olympic torchbearers in June 2012 was 62-year old Ronnie McIntosh. After developing a rare autoimmune condition called Sjogren’s Syndrome, Ronnie suffered kidney failure which resulted in the amputation of both of his legs. His life was saved by a kidney transplant and he was given artificial limbs by the NHS. A keen runner before his illness, Ronnie succeeded in race-walking within six months of his transplant operation. Shortly before the Olympic Torch relay, Ronnie managed to raise money to acquire a pair of sports limbs from a specialist company in Yorkshire so he could fulfil his goal of running again. He continued to be a keen member of Dundee Hawkhill Harriers Athletics Club and campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. Ronnie sadly died of pneumonia in January 2013 and has generously bequeathed his Olympic Torch and sports limbs to the Tayside Medical History Museum. They are now on permanent display in the waiting area at the far end of the main concourse at Ninewells Hospital, next to the DRI Memorial Wall.

Ronnie’s organ transplant gave him a new lease of life and we hope that his story will inspire others to consider organ donation. For further information, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk.