Pensioner Kath Fry saved her daughter's life and is now in the running to win the dream trip to Philadelphia, wrties Zahra Borno.

Kath, 67, donated a kidney to her daughter, Pauline Miles, 15 years ago after she was diagnosed with a life-threatening kidney disease a year before the transplant. Secretary Pauline, 42, of Chorefields, Kidlington, nominated Kath because she wanted to thank her for giving her the gift of life all those years ago.

The operation, which took place at Oxford's Churchill Hospital's Renal Unit, means Pauline can now live a normal life.

For ten months before the transplant, Pauline underwent dialysis treatment while trying to look after her young son Matthew. She said: "It was an awful time and I was so ill but Mum didn't hesitate to help me. It turned out that her kidney was 98 per cent compatible.

"If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be alive today. I didn't have any trouble and my body didn't reject the kidney at all.

"My mum really deserves to win this trip and it would be a wonderful way to thank her for everything she has done for me. We have always been close but this brought us even closer."

Kath, also of Chorefields, said: "I am absolutely shocked I've been nominated for the prize. Pauline was dying before my eyes and so I didn't think twice about donating a kidney.

"It's marvellous the way she has accepted the kidney. She says that I have given life to her twice."

The lucky winner and her companion will be flown by US Airways to Philadelphia. The city is seen by Americans as the capital city for mothers because it was the birthplace of Mother's Day in the USA.

The winning mum and her companion will be treated like royalty during the luxury trip.

To nominate your mum, fill in the coupon enclosed in today's Oxford Mail.

Story date: Tuesday 11 April

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