A WIFE'S "amazing" act of generosity has resulted in a life-changing kidney transplant operation for her husband.
Vita Gessey donated the organ to Alec after his kidney function fell to just 15 per cent.
Mr Gessey, a chartered accountant with Truro-based Balme, Kitchen and Pearce, and Vita, who works for Sainsbury's in Helston, are now recovering in their Helston home, Mr Gessey saying his wife's selflessness has given him a new lease of life.
"There is no comparison between how I feel now and a few months ago," he said. "What Vita did was amazing."
She told the West Briton she knew Mr Gessey would have done the same for her.
The couple discussed organ donations in the past and she had been against donating hers. "Before it was my belief never to do that," Mrs Gessey said.
But faced with the prospect of dialysis for the rest of her husband's life, Mrs Gessey decided there was only one thing she could do: "It was because of my love for him," she added.
Mr Gessey said: "It came out of the blue.
"The doctors said we would look at dialysis and then Vita said, 'why don't I give you a kidney?'."
Tests established the kidneys matched and they had to answer a series of questions to ensure they were in a loving relationship, despite being married for 12 years.
The operation took place at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.
"People criticise the NHS but it is not true," said Mr Gessey. "I was absolutely amazed how helpful everyone was."
They hope their story will inspire other people to look into family relationships if ever a transplant is needed as there was more chance kidneys would be compatible.
