A mother-of-four has been nominated for a Pride in Medway award after bravely donating a kidney to her mum.

Brave Allison Powell decided to help, fearing her mother would have to wait months for a suitable donor.

Nicola Powell, 43, of Jersey Road, Strood, had to have a kidney transplant 13 years ago, but most of the kidney died during the procedure.

Since then it has only worked at a quarter of its normal capacity. To improve her quality of life, she needed a new one.

Allison, 28, of Marlowe Park, said: “I just wanted to improve the quality of life for mum, she would have been on dialysis for ages otherwise.

“Who knows when a new kidney would have become available?”

Allison had keyhole surgery last month and was out of hospital just a few days later.

She said: “It’s all been worthwhile, mum looks better already, the best I’ve seen her for years.

“I’m really happy my mum is now healthier and I don’t feel any different, it’s not affected me too much.”

Her selfless act has not gone unnoticed with friend Clare Whalin, nominating her for a Pride in Medway Award.

Clare, 36, of Columbine Close, Strood, said: “Allison is a lovely girl and she’s been really brave giving her mum a kidney.

“She’s got four young children so it wasn’t a light decision to go into hospital for the operation.

“I’ve known her about three years and think she deserves a bit of recognition. She’s been really courageous.”

Pride in Medway 2008/09

Do you know an unsung hero? It could be someone who spends countless hours caring for others. It could be someone who gives up their spare time to run a community group. Maybe you know someone who shows immense personal bravery in difficult circumstances or a worker who goes above and beyond the call of duty.

We know there are lots of people like this and we want our readers to tell us about them so they can be recognised at this year’s Pride in Medway awards.

The Pride in Medway Awards were started eight years ago and are sponsored by the Medway Messenger, mhs homes, the University of Kent and Medway Council.

Entry forms are available in our Monday and Friday print editions.