Tom Brady inspires Mass. man to donate his kidney

(NECN: Melissa Toupin) - A Spencer, Mass. man recently gave one of his kidneys to a complete stranger.

We spoke with him about his gift and he explained how New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady influenced his decision.

Peter Hughes is recovering in his Spencer home, one week after donating a kidney to a woman he had never met.

The 48-year-old says he'd been considering becoming an organ donor for a while but the catalyst that started the process came from an article about Tom Brady and his mentor Tom Martinez.

The New England Patriots quarterback made a plea for kidney donors to help his long-time coach.
That article pointed Hughes to the Matching Donors website where he made a profile.

While he says it wasn't intention to donate specifically to help Martinez, it did put Hughes on a path to finding Ajsa Bethiel of Lexington.

The mother of two, who had escaped war-torn Bosnia, was in desperate need of a new kidney and Hughes was a match.

Daughter Jessica stood by father her father every step of the way and says his actions are a testament to the kind of person he is.

Hughes says he and the recipient share a special bond.

They will both always remember the impact of Tom Brady’s plea and how it and his faith brought them together.

The humble donor says he's no hero; he was always taught to help others.