Robert was only 19-years-old when he contracted chronic glomerulonephritis, a kidney disorder.

His health deteriorated over

the next five years, and he finally received a kidney transplant, after two false starts, in July 1970, at the age of 24.

This was especially amazing as the first kidney transplant had only occurred four years earlier, and, according to Robert, at that time one in four kidney transplants failed in the first week.

Robert said he feels very lucky to be alive.

“I have lived on someone else's kidney for most of my life,” he said.

Robert said his life changed after receiving the kidney, including having to have a check up every three months – but he's not complaining.

“You get used to it,” he said.

For a man who nearly lost his life so early on, Robert has crammed a whole lot into the last 40 years.

He has been involved in breaking horses, competing in camp

drafts and dressage, and has trained some amazing horses, including a beloved horse named Pilot.

Pilot was a show stopper at many an Oberon Show with his dancing.

The horse’s obituary was printed in the Oberon Review when he passed away.

Robert, now 64, is still riding

and working on his property at Porters Retreat.

Robert said he is thankful to the doctors who have looked after him all these years.

He is also very thankful for the support his mother Audrey Campbell has given him, she has been beside him through it all.

“I reckon she did more suffering than I did,” he said.

Robert's mother said she, and her late husband Percy, could not be prouder of her son.

She understands Robert is, alongside Michael Anderson from Taree, the longest living male in

the world who has had a kidney transplant.

“He went through hell to live,” she said,

Mrs Campbell said it was a very stressful time while they waited for a kidney donor, and it was a godsend when the kidney finally arrived by plane from Brisbane.

“We will always be grateful for that, as we don't know who it was who donated it,” she said.

Mrs Campbell said it was particularly trying when doctors thought the new kidney would have to removed after five days, and then again seven years later when he had to have an operation due to a tiny spot of rejection on the kidney.

“He has done the best with what he had,” she said. “I am very proud of him for that.”