A BUILDING surveyor has overcome life-threatening illness to pass professional qualifications with flying colours.

Matthew Ward suffered a cancer scare and underwent a double kidney transplant.

The 27-year-old had the transplant while working to qualify as a chartered building surveyor after malignant cysts were discovered on both of his kidneys.

Mr Ward, who lives in York, also needed 18 months of kidney dialysis three times a week after work before the transplant - and had to restrict his fluid intake and his diet.

But he was able to return to work with consultants Lightly and Lightly, of Clifton Moor, York, only six weeks after the transplant and continued to work and study towards his qualification.

Now he has received confirmation that he has qualified as a Chartered Building Surveyor.

Senior partner Tony Lightly said: "We are delighted for Matthew, who was always bright and cheerful in spite of the tremendous hardship he went through."

Mr Ward, who graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 1997, said: "It was very tough and, with all the health issues I faced, there is no way I could have managed without the support of my colleag- ues.

"It has been very hard work but I feel this qualification is a real achievement and I look forward to developing my professional career with the firm."