A GRIEVING couple's Christmas hope is that their son's battle for life will encourage future organ donors.

Paul Pickett died in Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital a day after his 40th birthday, while waiting for a second kidney transplant.

He had been on dialysis for almost a year when his first donor kidney, which he received for four years, failed.

Looking back to the transplant, Sandra Pickett, his mother, said: "We saw an immediate transformation in him and it made such a difference to his life but you never forget that someone died to make that possible.

"I don't think people understand how important kidneys are to you. Unfortunately we lost Paul but if our story can help and encourage people to register as a donor then that's his legacy. We know how much of a life-changing experience receiving a kidney is. I was teaching an aerobic class when I was told they'd found one for Paul and the class had to pull me off the ceiling."

Her son was visiting the renal unit three times a week for dialysis, before his death in October.

Mrs Pickett and her husband, Colin, are visiting the renal unit tomorrow to present a £600 ice-making machine for patients and a cheque. Kidney doctor John Main said: "Despite the sudden and unexpected death of their son, the Picketts have made the effort to organise this and also to convey their thanks to the staff of the unit for the care they gave Paul.

"Their thanks are something which is greatly appreciated."