The best gift for Holly, her friend's kidney

A kidney patient who had given up hope of a normal life today thanked a childhood friend for "the most amazing gift".

Holly Cocker, 24, spent five years on a transplant waiting list after being diagnosed with kidney failure at university. But when Oli Foggin, 26, returned from travelling and discovered she was on dialysis, he had himself tested and was told he was a perfect match.

He donated his left kidney to her at Hammersmith Hospital in October.

Miss Cocker, from Putney, said: "The operation was only 10 weeks ago but I feel great, better than I can ever remember feeling. He has given me the most amazing gift in the world and for that I will be eternally grateful."

At 19 tests revealed she had been born with a kidney the size of a walnut which was unable to cope with supporting an adult body.

Because her parents were a different blood group, she had no choice but to join the transplant list and start dialysis three times a week. She said: "The transplant has given me a new lease of life and sense of freedom. Oli's generosity and selflessness is amazing. We've always been close friends but now I think we're closer than ever."

Mr Foggin played down his sacrifice, saying: "If your friend was drowning in front of you but there was a lifejacket close by you'd throw it in. If I had the ability to save Holly, I was going to."