A mum-of-four has given a total stranger a potentially life-saving gift this Christmas - her kidney.

Nikki Moore from Kings Hill put herself forward as an altruistic donor - something done by just 100 people on average each year - when one of her close friends was told his organ was functioning at just 7%.

Their respective blood groups were not compatible, but the 47-year-old remained eager to help someone else and, after almost a year of tests, finally had the operation at Guy’s Hospital in London earlier this month.

Her friend was also in receipt of a new kidney as a result of the paired donation system and is already reaping the benefits, Mrs Moore said.

The clinical support worker added: “I went down for surgery in the morning, and ironically my husband was in the reception area as he saw my kidney going out the door.

“He said to them ‘I think you’ll find that’s my wife’s kidney’ as it went out - it was so surreal.

“My friend said after his operation it was the first time in two years he had woken up without any joint pain, so it was an instant impact.

“He could lie in bed and not need to move 20 times like he used to.

“Within seconds his kidney was producing urine which is remarkable.”

Mrs Moore is currently recovering at her home in Victory Drive and will have a series of check-ups at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital before hoping to return to work in the new year.

She doesn’t know who the donee is - only that they live somewhere in the north of England - but has written them a letter in the hope of establishing contact.

“I don’t want to be in the limelight saying ‘look at me’ but just to show what you can do, it can happen - I’m not the first and I won’t be the last,” she said.

“I felt very nervous the night before the surgery itself, but I’ve never once had a single doubt about doing it.

“The nurses say you can stop it at any time, but somebody’s life is hanging on me still saying ‘yes, I want to’ - I couldn’t comprehend saying no at that stage.

“I just hope it goes well for the person receiving it and that they have a lovely Christmas.”

Last week, Nikki received a surprise present as part of kmfm's Make Someone's Christmas with Kent Reliance.