A DEVOTED husband's gift has given a North-East woman a new lease of life.

Olga Carr had to spend 12 hours a week on a hospital dialysis machine before doctors operated to give her a kidney from her husband, Derek.

The couple, who were told it was rare for a husband to donate to his wife, went for a walk yesterday near their home in Wesley Terrace, Middleton-in-Teesdale, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, and announced they both felt on top of the world.

Mrs Carr, a 60-year-old retired teacher, became ill two years ago and went to Darlington Memorial Hospital, where renal failure was diagnosed.

She was put on a waiting list for a kidney but then 64-year-old Derek volunteered to donate one of his.

Tests showed their blood match made a transplant possible and, six weeks ago, the operation was performed at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle.

Much to the delight of their son, Jonathan, and grandsons, Owen and Ryan, the operation was a success.

Mr Carr, a retired joiner, said: "I was thrilled when I heard my blood matched Olga's. It was wonderful to be able to do this for her and to know that she can now lead a fairly normal life."

Mrs Carr said: "We had the operations six weeks ago but have kept quiet until now just to make sure everything was going well.

"Now we both feel great, so I want to let everyone know how grateful I am to Derek. This really has changed my life."

The couple have been told not to travel abroad for a year, but plan a cruise to the Norwegian fjords when they get the all-clear.

The couple paid tribute to the doctors and nurses who have cared for them.