A SELFLESS Gwent father helped save his son's life by giving him one of his kidneys.

And dad Leighton Hyde says his ultimate dream would be watching son Christian referee a rugby match again.

Father and son are recovering at home in Presceli Close, Risca, after undergoing surgery.

Thanks to his father's actions Christian no longer needs four times daily dialysis.

The 32-year-old, who has not refereed a Newport and District League rugby match for five years, hopes his new kidney will mean he can get back on the pitch next season.

And he said his long term goal would be to take charge of a game at the 2012 Olympics.

Christian, who will now go back on a waiting list for pancreas transplant to cure the diabetes he has suffered for 20 years, praised his dad for helping him pursue his dream.

"I had reservations about my dad giving me one of my kidneys but he never hesitated," said the former Risca Comprehensive School pupil, who has a brother, Jonathan, 27.

"My dad helped me give dialysis the red card. He's fantastic for what he did. He's given me a second chance and I will always be grateful to him for that.

"Now I want to get back on to the rugby pitch and my ultimate goal is to referee at the Olympics."

The Newport Dragons fans each underwent around four hours of surgery at the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff on January 29.

Mr Hyde, 59, who will return to work at Toyota in Cardiff, was discharged six days later and his son left hospital on February 7. Mr Hyde contacted the Argus after we exclusively revealed last week how Trinant woman Jean Edmunds is to give her husband Mike a kidney.

Now weeks after the operation, which was declared a success, father and son are having weekly check-ups and Christian needs to take daily medication.

"It's great knowing I've given him life for the second time," said Mr Hyde. "The day I see him referee a match again is the day that I will need a box of tissues with me- it will be fantastic."

THE partner of life-saving father Leighton Hyde was described as a tower of strength.

Before and after the kidney operation, Philippa Meade, 47, doted on the pair.

As well as cooking and cleaning for them, she helped save Christian's life by getting him to hospital after he went into a diabetic coma.

"She has been our tower of strength," said Christian.

Mr Hyde added: "She has been fantastic. She has made our recovery so much easier."