Couple undergo kidney transplant

Ian Anderson said his wife was "incredibly brave"

A Shropshire couple who are undergoing a kidney transplant are hoping the operation will transform their lives.

Oriel Anderson, 42, from Coalport, Telford, is donating a kidney to her husband Ian, 52, because he suffered renal failure two years ago.

The operation is taking place on Monday at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

The couple are hoping the procedure will allow Ian to begin cycling and walking again.

Donor card plea

Mr Anderson said he thought his wife was "incredibly brave".

"I consider myself to be very lucky to be able to have a transplant.

"Some people (other dialysis patients) aren't well enough to undergo the operation."

Mrs Anderson has called for more people to carry donor cards.

"People are out there waiting for transplants. It's not until you're living with the problem that you feel everyone should have a card."

A spokesman from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital said about 30% of all live kidney donation cases involved spouses.

Donors do not need to be a close genetic match.