The brother of Busted star James Bourne has shared a positive health update on the guitarist and vocalist following a difficult year of serious health problems.
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Back in April, James, 43, revealed that he was awaiting surgery to extend his life, although he initially kept the details of his condition private.
It later emerged that his younger brother, Chris, 33, had "saved his life" by donating one of his kidneys after doctors gave the musician a prognosis of just "a few years".
James' health struggles also forced him to withdraw from the 2025 Busted vs. McFly tour, which went ahead without him across the United Kingdom.
Rock Star Health Update Reveals Remarkable Improvement After Kidney Transplant
Chris has now shared further details about his brother's condition, revealing that James had begun losing his eyesight in the lead-up to their surgery.
"We were in adjoining rooms that were identical and we both had a clock on the wall at the end of our beds which was driving us both insane as we waited to go into surgery," he said.
"When James went in, he said he had trouble reading the clock. But when he came out of the operation and was taken to his room, he could see the clock."
Chris added that James is doing "really well," while he continues his own six-week recovery period following the donation.
Although he described the process of receiving a new kidney as lengthy, Chris said the benefits of the transplant were "pretty instantaneous; it's incredible."
The surgeon described the donated organ as a "Bentley Rolls-Royce kidney," offering James a significantly improved outlook.
James Bourne's Family Stepped Forward to Save His Life
Chris also revealed that he and his family initially had no idea how seriously ill James had become.
As a musician himself, Chris had even received instructions to prepare for the possibility of stepping in for his brother during Busted's upcoming shows.
After learning about James' condition, Chris, their brother Nick and sister Melissa all volunteered to become potential kidney donors.
However, Chris made significant changes to his lifestyle and ultimately emerged as the most suitable donor.
Last month, James reflected on the frightening experience and the unexpected turn his life had taken.
"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," James said in a health update.
"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."
James went on to describe his younger brother as his "hero" and thanked fans for their continued support and patience throughout his health struggles.
