A GRATEFUL husband whose wife gave him the ultimate Valentine's Day present – one of her kidneys - has praised her “marvellous gift”.David Day, 51, of Colchester had polycystic kidney disease and needed four half-hour sessions of dialysis every day.

A GRATEFUL husband whose wife gave him the ultimate Valentine's Day present – one of her kidneys - has praised her “marvellous gift”.

David Day, 51, of Colchester had polycystic kidney disease and needed four half-hour sessions of dialysis every day. There is no cure for the disease, which causes cysts on the kidneys, leading to bloating, high blood pressure and kidney failure.

But, thanks to the selfless devotion of Caroline, his wife of 25 years, and the miraculous discovery that her kidney would be a perfect match, a transplant operation could go ahead.

So, on February 15, a day later than scheduled at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, surgeons carried out the procedure.

Speaking after their first night at home together since surgery, wife Caroline, 47, described an emotional conversation.

She said: “Last night we both had a few tears. It was the first time since it was over and done with and we knew he was well.

“It was our first proper cuddle. He said 'thank you - it's a wonderful thing you've done' and we both told each other we loved each other.”

And despite her recovery being much slower than that of her husband, Mrs Day, who works at Tesco in Highwoods, has no regrets and is now looking forward to their first foreign holiday.

“I feel awful and I'm in a lot of pain but we help each other,” she said. “But if I had to do it again I would. If I had another spare, if he or my son needed it, I would.”

Mr Day, a digger driver for Brett Aggregates, who had felt the benefit of his transplant almost immediately, was overwhelmed by how much he owed to his wife.

He said: “If it were not for my wife - it's hard to put into words, but what she's done is absolutely marvellous.

“Thank you is a very small word but it means everything to me. It's a very big thing she's done, to see what she's been through.”

Although Mr Day will now need to take drugs for the rest of his life, his doctors have told him the transplanted organ is working perfectly and he is well on the road to recovery.

He said: “The next day after surgery when I woke up, I was surprised how well I felt. They say it's worse for the giver than receiving. I was ill and it's made me feel better.

“Two days after the operation I walked round to Caroline's bed and gave her a hug and a kiss. I said thank you very much and told her that I loved her.”

He added: “Now I think a big bunch of flowers is in order.”