A transplant patient and the father who gave her a new lease of life by donating one of his kidneys, have offered their help to others in similar situations.

Vivienne Baker, 27, of Baildon, whose story was highlighted by the Telegraph & Argus last month, says she is getting stronger by the day and recovering well from the operation.

Vivienne and her 55-year-old father John, who lives in Hornsea but originally comes from Shipley, are hoping their story will prompt other 'live donors' to come forward. And they say they are willing to talk to would-be patients or donors about their experiences.

Mr Baker, who offered his daughter one of his healthy kidneys because he could not stand seeing her undergoing endless hours of dialysis treatment, said: "There is a shortage of live kidney donors and we're hoping what we've done will encourage other people to come forward and do something similar.

"I think some people are frightened about doing it but I'm recovering nicely and it's all been worthwhile.

"If anyone wants to ring me up to talk things through or ask any questions I'd be more than happy to speak to them.''

Vivienne, who is hoping to marry fiance Simon Parker next summer, said: "I only had the doctors to talk to about what was going to happen and what to expect afterwards.

"If there's anyone wanting to speak to someone who has already gone through it, or who is worried about having a transplant because they're scared, I'd like to be able to help.''

Vivienne works as an assembly worker for Multishades in Baildon and had to begin life-saving dialysis treatment after her kidneys began failing last summer. "Everything's going well and the doctors have said the kidney is working fine.

"I'm still on tablets to keep the kidney going and having check-ups three times a week but things are gradually getting back to normal and I can go out now as long as I don't push myself too hard.

"Being stuck in most of the time and not being able to do anything too strenuous does get you down a bit but I'm going out for short walks or to the shops in Shipley and I can walk further every day.

"I walked down to see the people at work the other day and I'm hoping to be back there by Christmas.''

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