JUST as it was wonderful to report last year how a Worcester mum had received the gift of life from her husband, so it is terribly sad today to report her death. Mandy Holton hit the headlines just before Christmas last year when husband Clive donated a kidney to her.

It was 45-year-old Mrs Holton’s second kidney transplant after the failure of an organ donated when she was in her 20s.

At the time she said the donation from her husband was the best present she had ever received.

Now her husband and their four grown-up children are in mourning after Mrs Holton passed away last weekend.

The supermarket worker, who was due to become a grandmother for the first time, became ill a few weeks ago and died last Saturday after a short battle against a virus that attacked all her organs.

It is a bitter blow to her family who had seen her recover well from last year’s transplant.

The Holtons are clearly a strong family and are showing each other exceptional support in their darkest hour.

Youngest son Paul pays a glowing tribute to his mum in our report today.

He is also full of praise for his dad – and describes Mr and Mrs Holton, who recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, as “perfect parents”.

Paul also says how grateful the family are for the extra months of life the transplant gave Mrs Holton.

His words say much about Mrs Holton and her family in general.

They have our utmost sympathy and are in our prayers.