IT'S the ultimate gift from father to son.

Today swimming champion Gareth Duke is one step closer to a life-saving transplant from his devoted dad.

As reported by the Argus, paralympian gold-medalist Gareth, of Cwmbran, needs a life-saving kidney transplant and doctors identified his father, Trevor Myers, as a possible donor.

After a nail-biting wait, Gareth and his family this week learnt that initial tests on Mr Myers' suitability are all positive.

Mr Myers now needs to satisfy a final set of physical tests before doctors give the thumb's-up for an operation.

"Everything is fine so far. I had the confirmation through and I am delighted," said Mr Myers.

Doctors will perform final tests on Mr Myers, 52, over the next six weeks. If all goes well, the family expect a date for the operation, which will be some time in the new year, to be set in eight weeks' time.

Gareth, 19, suffers from Alport's syndrome, which is causing progressive kidney failure and regularly makes him weak. He needs both of his kidneys removed soon or he will have to be put on a dialysis machine. His father had suitability tests at the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff.

He said: "It's a relief, because it narrows it down, although we're not short of friends who were prepared to step in.

"I'm just looking forward to getting the go-ahead."

Gareth, of Maendy Way, Cwmbran, said he was pleased with the way things were going.

"Of course I'm so grateful to dad - and it's looking quite good at the moment," he said. "I can't wait to concentrate on my swimming again."

Gareth was born with dwarfism, which can lead to the renal failure he is suffering. He also has only 20 per cent hearing due to his condition.

He won the 100m breaststroke gold medal at the Athens Paralympics but will now miss the Commonwealth games in March and the World Championships next December.

He is hoping to get over the disappointment of missing out and is now setting his sights on winning gold at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008.