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Busted's James Bourne says 'hero' brother saved his life with kidney donation
James Bourne: "I can't believe how much better I'm starting to feel already."
Busted star James Bourne has said his brother "saved my life" by donating a kidney, after doctors had given him "a few years left to live".
The guitarist, 43, dropped out of an arena tour featuring his band and fellow punk-pop favourites McFly in September 2025, just a day before it began.
He blamed health problems and was replaced by his younger brother Chris.
James later said he needed major surgery to "extend my life", and has now thanked his "hero" Chris and said they are both recovering from their transplant operations.
Bourne with his Busted bandmates Charlie Simpson and Matt Willis in 2023
"Wow, what the hell happened?" James wrote on Monday. "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."
Chris Bourne went on tour with Busted after his brother was forced to drop out