CHAMPAGNE corks are popping in one Worcester household this week. And mum-of-the-house Sue Weaver has every reason to celebrate - it is 25 years since she underwent a kidney transplant which saved her life.

As I arrived at her home in Winchcombe Drive, Blackpole, to talk about the fantastic landmark, I was greeted by her youngest daughter, 14-year-old Emily, heading out the door with a friend to rehearse for an audition with Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society's Youth Section.

To an outsider it seemed like just another day in a hectic family life, but for Sue - who runs Kitz Models and Hobbies in Fish Street - it had a different meaning.

"When I was her age I could just about make it through the school day but I was unable to do any other activities because of my condition," the 47-year-old explained.

"I loved dancing and acting but was just too ill to enjoy them.

"So I encourage my kids to do as much as they can."

When she talks about Emily, and her 17-year-old daughter Joanna, Sue lights up. After all, when her kidney failed at 21 after suffering from years of chronic pyelonephritis - inflammation of the kidney - she was told she would be lucky to live past 30, let alone have children.

"I was 22 when I underwent my kidney transplant and I was told the average life of a donated kidney was five to 10 years," she said.

"But that was 25 years ago!

"And those years have been fantastic - I married my husband Paul, bought a house, had my children, have been on wonderful holidays and started my own business - none of which I had thought would be possible.

"I've even tried out the things I always wanted to do - like ballet lessons!"

Sue is also vice-chairman of South Worcestershire and District Kidney Patient Association and, over the years, has helped to raise thousands of pounds for vital equipment, such as a new dialysis machine for the county's hospitals.

As part of this group she has also campaigned for an 'opting out system' - where instead of potential organ donors filling out a donor card, everyone automatically becomes an organ donor when they die unless they have specifically opted out.

"I'm not saying that it would give us more organs, but it would definitely save a lot of problems when it comes to the grieving point," she said. "That's when relatives don't want to donate the organs of their loved ones."

But until this system is in place, Sue still emphasises the importance of being on the organ donor register.

"I always try to get the message across to people," she said.

Sue said she owes a lot to the South Worcestershire KPA which, for the past 20 years, has been supporting kidney patients, their families and friends.

But sadly, a decline in members in recent years means it is in danger of being closed down. Sue is now appealing for new members.

"It would be an awful shame if it had to end," she said.

"Worcestershire Royal Hospital looks, at last, set to get a renal unit in the near future and for the county not to have a kidney support group would be dreadful.

"Also, because of the declining members, we can't get out and fund-raise as much as we would like.

"So if there's anyone out there - pre-dialysis kidney patients, those who have suffered renal failure, or their relatives or friends - it would be great to see them at meeting."

What has Sue got planned for the next 25 years?

"I want to reach my 25th wedding anniversary as I want us to go on a fantastic holiday," she beams.

"And of course, I can't wait to have grandchildren - although I hope that won't be for a few years!"

In the short term, Sue was just looking forward to cracking open the bubbly - a tipple she had to miss out on at other occasions in her life, such as her 18th and 21st birthdays.

"I try not to think too much about the past now," she said.

"I just want to live life to the full. After all, every day is a bonus."

l For more information on the South Worcestershire Kidney Patient Association call Sue on 01905 754528, or secretary Wendy Bennett on 01684 567552.