FATHER-of-two Allen Newey is the longest surviving kidney transplantee in Europe.

Mr Newey was the second person ever to be given a transplant at the Churchill Hospital, in Headington, 35 years ago.

The 66-year-old who was born with small kidneys, said the operation had given him a normal life again.

He said: “Me and a man called Geoff Slade had the operation on the same night.

“Sadly he has now passed away, but I am the longest surviving transplantee in Europe.

“I think the Oxford Mail’s campaign is a wonderful thing, it is wonderful to be able to give the gift of life to someone.

“It’s given me my life back.

“I was a young man when I had the transplant and they told me people on dialysis didn’t live much past the age of 50.

“But after the transplant I went back to a normal life.

“It meant I could go and play with my son and daughter again and watch them grow up.

“Even now, 35 years after my transplant, I cannot thank the donor enough for what they’ve done.”

Mr Newey, from Daventry, Northamptonshire, who is married to Sandra, 65, said: “I would say to anyone considering signing up, please do it.

“Because you are not just giving the gift of life to one person, but to a whole family.”