Selfless hero who donated kidney to save friend's life is honoured in The News's New Year Honours

Generous Gareth Tyson Hoole, from Southsea, went under the knife in September to donate a kidney to help his poorly pal, 51-year-old Jeremy Penny.

Jeremy had suffered with polycystic kidney disease for decades and has since hailed his mate as his saviour, insisting Gareth’s kindness has given him his life back.

Now 37-year-old Gareth’s heroic exploits have earned him a nomination in The News’s New Year Honours list, recognising the area’s top citizens.

Speaking of his nomination, Gareth said: ‘I’m shocked. I didn’t do it for any recognition at all. I'm a bit lost for words. I’m speechless.

‘I decided to donate my kidney because I had been seeing a very good friend’s demise. My attitude on it was if I had a spare car I would lend a mate a car. This is a bit bigger than that - it’s saving a mate’s life. But it was a spare. I was happy to do it.’

Gareth met Jeremy – a solicitor for Hampshire County Council – in the pub about five years ago and soon became firm mates.

Speaking to The News last month about his friend’s donation, Jeremy said: ‘I feel great – amazing. It’s given me my life back.’

Gareth added he is still on the road to recovery following his operation but expected to be fully healed in a few months time.

He added his friendship with Jeremy had reached new heights.

‘Jeremy was a good mate before but now he is up there with the best,’ he added. ‘His family has become part of my family now.’

Gareth has since urged others to consider donating blood or signing up to become organ donors.

‘Just give what you don’t need,’ he said. ‘That comes down to blood, organs – I don’t need two kidneys. I can quite happily survive.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to our online coverage, including Pompey, with 70 per cent fewer adverts for less than 20p a day.