CLAIRE Hopkins from Ramsbottom is waiting for a kidney transplant and to increase her chances has signed up to the paired donor scheme with her partner, Claire said; "Waiting for a transplant can be difficult at times. The phone call to say a donor organ is available could come at any time, so when the phone rings late at night you think is this the call'.

"Having dialysis three times a week is a constant reminder, but I put it to the back of my mind and carry on with life as normal, there are people a lot worse off than me. Life goes on, I've recently achieved my degree in midwifery.

"I've just come back from holiday abroad and received dialysis at a hospital there, and we're planning our wedding for next year. I have real hope for the future."

"A transplant changes someone's life completely and I would encourage anyone reading this who has not signed up to the Organ Donation Register to do so, it's the ultimate gift."