WHEN Julie Cawley found out her kidneys were a perfect match for her sick sister, she did not hesitate to give her the gift of life.

The 40-year-old, from Blaina, immediately knew she would donate one of her healthy kidneys - a decision that would massively improve the quality of life for her older sister, Jane Lewis.

Now both sisters have recovered from the surgery and are delighted with the successful outcome.

Mrs Lewis, 48, who endured almost a year of dialysis sessions three times a week before the operation, told the Argus she cannot thank her sister enough.

"I think what she has done is amazing. I will never be able to repay her." Mrs Cawley, however, says once she realised she could help her big sister she didn't think twice.

"We have always been very close. I am not a big one for pain but I was able to have keyhole surgery and was just a bit sore afterwards. My scar is very small - it's marvellous!"

Mrs Lewis, of Warwick Road, Brynmawr, first discovered she had kidney problems after the birth of her only son, Gareth, 26 years ago.

She was told the condition had probably been caused by undiagnosed infections when she was young. She had to receive dialysis and eventually had a first kidney transplant in 1995.

But when that kidney failed in March last year, she needed another transplant to restore her to health.

"I had to travel to hospital in Cardiff three times a week and spent four hours on dialysis each time," she says.

"I couldn't drink more than a pint of fluid a day and it meant watching what I ate as well - gravy and custard count towards your fluid intake. It is lovely to be able to drink again now!"

Her husband, son and father had tests to find out if they could help, but were different blood groups. Then Mrs Cawley, who has two teenage children, discovered she would be a perfect match.

On January 30 the women underwent the successful operation at the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff.

Mrs Lewis spent eight days recovering, but Mrs Cawley was discharged after just two.

Now Mrs Cawley is looking forward to returning to work as a stewardess at Blaina Bowls Club - while Mrs Lewis hopes to have her first holiday since she became ill.

"I still go for checks at the hospital - but they are very happy with the results," she added.

l The sisters thanked friends and family for their support, the medical staff on Ward B5 at the hospital and everyone at Cwmcelyn Chapel and the bowls club for fundraising for the ward.