Council boss in kidney transplant

Peter Stybelski was suffering from a kidney disorder

A 54-year-old council chief has undergone a kidney transplant.

Peter Stybelski, chief executive of Cumbria County Council, had only told family, close friends and some colleagues that he needed the organ.

But on Thursday, Mr Stybelski of Armathwaite, who had been ill for some time, got the call he had been hoping for and that a match had been found.

He had the operation on Friday at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital and is said to be recovering well.

It will take Mr Stybelski about eight weeks to recover from the operation.

'Incredibly popular'

In his absence, deputy chief executive, Bob Mather, will take over.

Mr Mather said: "Peter is incredibly popular with council employees and all our thoughts are with him and his family. The operation was carried out successfully.

"I spoke to him yesterday and he seems in remarkably good spirits. We wish Peter a speedy and successful recovery.

Council Leader Tim Stoddard added: "Some of us have known about Peter's condition for some time.

"But the speed with which a donor was found and Peter was admitted to hospital has caught us all by surprise."

Mr Stybelski, took over as chief executive in 2004. He previously held the same position at Carlisle City Council. He is married with a son.

Mr Stybelski has also worked for local authorities in Bolton, Blackpool, Kensington and Chelsea.