A WOMAN has paid tribute to her wonderful husband after he gave her one of his kidneys for a life-saving transplant. Jacqui Bellamy, of Highlands, Royston, and her husband Scott underwent the transplant procedure two weeks ago. Mrs Bellamy, 40, said: I

A WOMAN has paid tribute to her "wonderful husband" after he gave her one of his kidneys for a life-saving transplant.

Jacqui Bellamy, of Highlands, Royston, and her husband Scott underwent the transplant procedure two weeks ago.

Mrs Bellamy, 40, said: "I have suffered from kidney failure for more than 20 years, but in the last 18 months the function has gone down rapidly.

"My husband asked if he could possibly donate a kidney to me, and the doctors said that he would need to go through various tests to see if he was compatible.

"I was put on to the transplant list for a cadaveric donor, but I was not a priority as I was not on dialysis yet, and there were thousands of people who were in more need."

Landscape gardener Mr Bellamy, 47, underwent various tests to ensure that his blood group was compatible with that of his wife.

He was also subjected to a gruelling regime of scans and fitness checks.

The couple received confirmation that the transplant could go ahead earlier this year.

Mrs Bellamy, a receptionist at Limbach Banham solicitors in the town, underwent the operation at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.

She said: "Scott was in hospital for only two days, but he felt OK afterwards, and went home on paracetamol.

"I went home exactly a week after the transplant, a bit sore, and on a low dose of painkillers.

"I will have to take immunosuppressants for the rest of my life, but that is a small price to pay for a better future.

"Since the transplant Jacqui has received a batch of test results, and her kidney function is now within the normal range.

She said: "I would like to thank all my family, especially my children Charlotte and Ryan, who have had to go through all the worry and dealt with my illness, and also my parents, who have been here for the last three weeks looking after all of us.

"I would also like to thank all my friends, some of who also offered to donate to me, and went through some testing, who have been there for Scott and me over the past 18 months.

"And last of all I want to say the biggest thanks to my wonderful husband, without whom I would not have been given this new start in life.