A WOMAN whose life was saved thanks to a donated kidney 25 years ago is desperately trying to trace the family that gave her a second chance at life.

The Worcester News reported last month how Sue Weaver, from Winch-combe Drive, Blackpole, Worcester, was celebrating a quarter of a century since she had the transplant that changed her life.

When her kidney failed at the age of 21, after suffering from years of chronic pyelonephritis - inflammation of the kidney - doctors told Sue she would be lucky to live to 30, even with a new organ.

But now, at the age of 47, and with two teenage daughters and husband Paul, she has decided to track down the family of her unknown donor.

"When I had my transplant I was told the average life of a donated kidney was five to 10 years. But that was 25 years ago.

"Those years have been fantastic and I would just like to contact the family and show them just what has been achieved thanks to their decision.

"Their tragedy has resulted in a fantastic and normal life for me. It created three lives, myself and my daughters, and I would love them to know how much I owe them," she said.

On September 19, 1980, after a year of gruelling renal treatment, Sue was called in to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for a transplant.

And all she knows about the person who saved her life is that she was a woman who died in a Birmingham car crash the same night as she was called to the hospital.

"I have never attempted to contact the family before but a lot has changed in the last few years, things are less hush, hush.

"I would just love to make contact now, even if it's just in a letter with some photos of my girls Joanne and Emily."

Anyone with any information on the donor's family can contact Porcha Treanor on 01905 742248 or e-mail her at pt@worcesternews.co.uk