A County Down man who received a life-saving lung transplant is urging people to discuss organ donation with their families.

David Carse, from Killinchy, has a rare genetic condition called X-linked Agammaglobulinemia (XLA), which weakens the immune system. The condition affects only males and leads to recurrent lung infections, causing progressive damage.

Carse needed an oxygen tank for three years before his transplant. He developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a result of repeated infections.

After surgery at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, he was able to breathe normally for the first time in years. The hospital covers transplant patients from Northern Ireland, northern England and Scotland.

Carse's brother Allen died in May while waiting for a transplant. Two cousins also have the condition.

He stressed the importance of the organ donation opt-out system introduced in Northern Ireland under Daithi's Law. The law means adults are considered potential donors unless they opt out, but families can still object, so Carse urged people to make their wishes clear.

Carse is organising fundraisers in memory of his brother and to raise awareness, including a whiskey tasting on December 4.

He watched his eldest daughter graduate from Queen's University and now works as a nurse. A younger daughter has begun nursing studies.

Carse said he thinks of his donor's family often and is grateful for the gift of life.