A HUSBAND whose kidneys were failing has paid tribute to his wife for giving him his life back - after she stepped in to become his donor.

Emma Hodgson, 42, successfully donated her kidney to her husband, Kieran Hodgson, 48, and the pair underwent their respective operations at the Sheffield Kidney Institute on February 27.

For Kieran, who was diagnosed with a hereditary kidney disorder known as polycystic kidney disease 14 years ago, aged 35, his wife’s sacrifice gave him a lifeline as he started to suffer with serious ill health from end-stage renal failure.

The Monk Bretton couple are now sharing their story to raise awareness of the impact living donors can have on people and families’ lives.

Emma said: “Up until six months ago he had been living a full and unrestricted life and then he went downhill really sharply - I was watching him feeling extremely fatigued.

“He was physically and mentally unwell, experiencing lots of numbness and tingling in his legs and I was scared to death when his heart arrhythmia kicked in.

“I felt like we were running out of time and something catastrophic was going to happen.”

Tests showed Kieran’s kidney function had plunged to a critical 15 per cent and he was placed on the deceased donor transplant list.

He was also given information about the living kidney donor scheme, where a family member, relative or friend can donate a kidney to someone they know.

Emma found the forms, which he had hidden in the car glovebox compartment, and stepped in to get tested.

Within a few weeks arrangements were made for Emma to undergo testing to ensure blood and tissue compatibility and the health of her kidneys.

The pair’s surgery went ahead, with Kieran’s kidney function now at an all-time low of 11 per cent as he headed into the transplant.

The surgery went smoothly, with Emma waking up in recovery to be told that her husband would be receiving her kidney shortly.

“Before I knew it, I was told my husband was back on the ward and all had gone well,” she added.

‘He was bouncing off the walls full of beans and energy whereas I was struggling to get out of bed for a while.”

Following the transplant Kieran has not suffered with any of the symptoms he’s had for the past few months and Emma is back to her old self, with the couple now making plans for their future again.

Kieran said: “Everything was on hold - all we could think about was the transplant date.

“We couldn’t think about moving, booking a holiday or getting a new car, but now I’ve got some options back.

“Emma has given me the greatest gift that anyone can give someone - she’s given me life.

“Nothing I could do could ever repay her.”