A DEVOTED Charford husband is giving his wife the most precious gift he can - life.

In just over two weeks Tony Kershaw, of Austin Road, is donating one of his kidneys to wife Julie so she can live a normal life.

The operation is rare as only about one in five kidney transplants are from living donors and of those, the majority are between blood relatives.

But after a series of tests Tony, aged 43, and Julie, 39, found out that incredibly they have the exact same blood grouping and a 100 per cent tissue type match.

Mum-of-three Julie has suffered from complete kidney failure for four years and undergoes treatment at a dialysing unit in Kidderminster three times a week.

"I am very tired at the end of dialysis, but our family really pulls together and helps out. This transplant will give me a future and a life back," she said.

The surgery will allow the couple, who have been married for 19 years, a chance to do everyday activities, including eating out any evening rather than only being able to go a day before dialysis and holidays.

Tony said that on a recent trip to the Isle of Wight they had to travel up to Bognor Regis, in Sussex, so Julie could undergo dialysis during their break.

Tony decided to become his wife's donor after he saw an article in a magazine about transplants. He went for extensive tissue matches and blood and kidney tests. The operation will take place on Friday, May 27, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Birmingham.

Tony said: "When all the tests came back the specialists couldn't believe we were the exact match, they were amazed.

"I'm not worried about myself during the operation - my only concern is for Julie."

Julie added: "I want to thank my family, friends and staff at the dialysing unit and the QE hospital for their support and help. They've all been amazing.

"I can't wait to get my new kidney and start living life again," she added.

In the UK more than 6,000 people are waiting for organ transplants which could save or dramatically improve their lives. But less then 3,000 transplants are carried out each year.

For further information on becoming an organ donor telephone the NHS Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400.