A MAN who saved his brother by donating his kidney has urged others to do the same.

When John Mann, now 68 and living in Australia, was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2000, he had little hope of receiving a new organ because younger patients are considered first.

But his brother, Brian, 67, went to his aid and flew to Perth for tests.

When doctors found him to be a suitable donor, Brian went ahead with the transplant operation.

He said: "Although it was a major decision, I did not hesitate for a second.

"John is not the kind to pat me on the back or to say how he feels, but he doesn't need to, because I knew how much it meant to him."

With the kidney successfully transplanted, John can live a normal, active life.

After seeing the positive effects his kidney has had on the life of his brother, and the minimal impact on his own life, Brian said he would encourage everyone to consider becoming a donor.

He said: "I went across the world to donate my kidney, but there are plenty of people here in the North-East that need help.

"Even if just one person donates because of this story, it is one person saved."

John will return to England after 27 years with his wife, Eileen. The couple plan to retire to Darlington, nearer their family and friends.

After Brian's wife, Christine, died last year of unexpected heart failure, he said he was looking forward to the reunion.

He said: "We are very close and because we were brought up in the war years, we had absolutely nothing and we shared everything."

Michael Deoraj, of the Kidney Research UK charity, said there were 7,672 people waiting to receive a kidney in the UK, with only 1,800 transplants each year.

He said: "This means that many will have to undergo rigorous dialysis treatment just to stay alive, which involves being hooked up to a machine for up to three to four hours, three times a week.

"Some will even die before receiving the vital organ.

"Kidney Research UK would urge anyone to sign up to the organ donor register."

To join the organ donor register, visit www.kidney researchuk.org or call 0800-783-2973.