A man who is recovering from a life-saving kidney transplant has vowed to put his body to the test to help others.

John Polson, aged 46, underwent transplant surgery last month after his mum, Norine Polson, aged 70, donated an organ.

He is now resting at his home in Turks Road, Radcliffe, and looking forward to a healthier future.

John, who runs Valley Blinds on Bradley Fold Trading Estate, said: “I can’t thank my mum enough. She is a star in my eyes. I realise how lucky I was to get a live donor. She has given me the chance to enjoy my life to the full. I’m going to start doing some work for the National Kidney Foundation. I could do swimming or hiking or something else to raise money. I’ve always enjoyed sports and I’ll be able to do them again now.”

John was born with polycystic kidney disease, which had caused his renal function to fall to just 12 per cent.

Other members of his family have died from the genetic disease and his father, Jack, had a transplant 20 years ago.

When John was diagnosed with the disease in 1988, his mum, Norine, said she would be willing to be his donor. Norine, of Woodhill Vale, Bury, said: “I am sore, but it has all been worthwhile. The months of waiting and wondering whether my kidney was suitable have all paid off. I know John is grateful, but I don’t want him to keep thanking me.”

The family paid tribute to staff at Manchester Royal Infirmary who carried out the transplant and are continuing to treat them.

With National Transplant Week starting on Monday, the family is encouraging people across the borough to become organ donors.

There are 27 people from Bury waiting for a transplant and one person has died since April while waiting for an organ. A total of 46,419 people from Bury are on the UK organ donor register.

John said: “I want to make people more aware that they can become live donors for family or friends. It’s a big surgery, but we were both out of hospital after a few days. They can also join the register to give organs after their death.”

Norine said: “Deciding to be a donor is a personal thing, but the results are amazing. I would encourage anyone to do it.”

For more information about the register call 0300 123 23 23 or go to organdonation.nhs.uk.