Husband gives kidney to his wife just hours before wedding anniversary

The operation at Queen Alexandra Hospital, in Cosham, was needed when Kylie was told she had end-stage kidney failure in December last year.

The couple, from Bursledon, celebrated four years as man and wife at QA hospital on April 20, just hours after Matt’s kidney was transplanted into Kylie.

The couple’s world was turned upside down following the diagnosis. Kylie had been feeling unwell and had been vomiting and feeling exhausted.

The 25-year-old, who works for Hampshire County Council, said: ‘I’ve always felt perfectly healthy and I had no idea there was anything wrong with me. It was a massive shock.’

Kylie started dialysis within weeks and further tests revealed that her only chance was a kidney transplant.

Fortunately, her mother, sister, brother and husband were all found to be suitable donors, and devoted Matt, a PCSO, was determined that it should be him to make the sacrifice.

He said: ‘I would do anything for her. I just said to the doctors “take all the bits you need from me”.

‘I was hugging all my colleagues at work when I got the phone call to say that I was a match and would be able to donate.’

The operation on April 19 took four hours for Matt and two hours for Kylie. Now the couple are recovering well and are looking forward to the future.

A transplanted kidney can last up to 20 years, before another transplant is needed.

Matt added: ‘It can be difficult knowing what to get for a wedding anniversary, but I think a kidney fits the bill.

‘Kylie is doing so well now and I haven’t regretted it for a moment. I was terrified when I was being wheeled into theatre, but it never crossed my mind to back out.

‘I would do it all again – but I’ve been told you need at least one kidney.’

The couple are sharing their story as this week is UK Kidney Week.