A woman from Ipswich will be joined by her identical twin for a charity swim that marks 29 years since she received a kidney transplant.

Teresa Driver, 43, underwent the operation in 1986 after suffering from Nephrotic Syndrome, which leads to the kidneys not functioning properly.

To mark the occasion she will be taking on the challenge of the Great East Swim alongside twin sister Rachel Andrews. Despite the transplant making the challenge harder, Mrs Driver is keen to do the swim alongside her supportive twin.

“It will be lovely having her alongside me,” Mrs Driver said. “It’s her first time and she is a slightly stronger swimmer than me so will be able to help out.”

Joining the twins in the challenge will be Mrs Driver’s boss and work colleague, with the group having raised around £500 to date.

Mrs Driver usually takes part in two fundraiser challenges per year, with many in the past having been done for kidney charities, but this year the pair will be raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support in honour of family and friends.

Mrs Driver added: “We have had a lot of family and friends suffer with cancer. My father’s brother passed away as well as friends so we thought we would do something for them.”

Despite her gratitude for her donated kidney, Mrs Driver is gracious in her respect for the donor.

She said: “It’s a really important thing for us, but there was a person who lost their life so I could have my life. It is a sad day for another family somewhere else. You are always going to have moments when it might reject, but at the end of the day I am here because I have it, and I still cherish every day.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/Rachel-andrews71 or a sponsorship form is available at Framlingham Vets in Station Road.