We just looked at each other and shed a tear

“It was too risky. I couldn’t face the fact that it might have implications on John’s health.”

Julie pleaded with her husband to reconsider, but John’s mind was made up.

He was tested – but sadly wasn’t a suitable match.

However, when consultants suggested signing up for the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme – where living donors can donate a kidney in the hope of being paired with other donors and securing a match for a relative – he jumped at the chance.

The aircraft engineer said; “It was the next best thing to not being a match, so I thought ‘ That’s the way to go’.

“It was like a get-out-of-jailfree card! When Julie saw that me giving up my kidney could benefit someone else, as well as her, she eventually agreed.

“It just blew my mind that something like this was possible.”

Just a few months ago, doctors matched Julie and John with another two couples on the shared scheme, creating a three-way swap. post- surgery infection and having to go back into hospital to be treated for sepsis, the pair, who have been married for seven years, are recovering well – and looking forward to celebrating this Christmas.

“My kidney function is up to 88% now,” Julie said. “In fact, the doctors said its as if I have a pair of working kidneys.

“I’m starting to feel my energy coming back now – and I’m progressing every day.

“And John is making a good recovery too.

“We’re looking forward to Christmas now because we have so much to celebrate.”

John added: “I’m so pleased everything went well.

“I must admit, I was a little apprehensive when the surgeon took a pen and drew an arrow on my side, but I’ve come out feeling great, and with just a little scar. It was nothing really.

“And it was worth it to get my old Julie back.

“I just look at her now and I can see the Julie that I first met.

“It’s been amazing to see her getting better.

“We were so well looked after before surgery, during and after and we can’t thank the team at the hospital enough. They were amazing.”

Julie added: “It’s all very surreal, but a real dream come true.

“I just want to thank all my family for looking after us. They have been amazing. “And John, of course. “He has given me the most extra- special Christmas present I could ever receive, as well as a fantastic Christmas to look forward to, and many more to come.”

And she joked: “John has given me his kidney – and his heart – but I’ll still be hoping for a wee something under the tree!”

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