Grandmother Sib Smethurst is calling on the government to switch the organ donor register to presumed consent – meaning people would have to opt out rather than sign up – in the hope of speeding the process up.

The 67-year-old flew 7,000 miles to the Philippines last year and paid £38,000 for a new kidney after waiting more than two years for surgery on the NHS.

She says others may choose to copy her because of the lack of donors.

Mrs Smethurst, from Victory House, Port Solent, Portsmouth, said: 'I have written to the government pressing for presumed consent and received a reply in March to say it's being considered by another committee.

'I'm just hoping we can improve things here for all transplant patients – not just those who need new kidneys.

'I just can't see why when other countries in the EU have got presumed consent why we don't. It would help so many people.'

Mrs Smethurst is believed to be the first British citizen to undergo a legal live donor transplant in the Philippines under the then government-backed scheme.

Nine months after the operation she has been given a new lease of life.

But the Manila government has now banned kidney transplants for foreigners amid a crackdown on the illegal organ trade.

She said: 'I'm really saddened that the option of a transplant in the Philippines has been closed for foreigners. Patients who are desperate will just go and live there and try to get on the list that way. If you are desperate and your life is at stake you will do anything.

'I'm feel absolutely fine now. It was definitely worth it. My creatinine level is down to that of a normal person. The doctors here are amazed at how well I'm doing.'