Lifesaver Liz changed my world

A PHENOMENAL act of friendship and kindness has given one man and his family new hope of a healthy, happy life together.

Mark Holden, who suffers from the genetic and degenerative disorder Polycystic Kidney Disease, is now well on the road to recovery after a successful kidney transplant.

And the woman who bestowed the lifesaving gift, Liz Whitworth, has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award.

Liz (45), from High Crompton, underwent four hours of surgery to pass on her healthy kidney to Mark — the husband of her best friend Ruth — back in April. 

Mark’s ailing organs were at a point where he was destined for dialysis if the operation did not go ahead but Liz says when she realised she was a match for Mark it seemed natural to go ahead.

Liz says she can’t believe she’s been nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award. “I’m honoured to be nominated but I feel very humbled by it all,” said the the mum-of-three who is now back at work as a business manager at St Thomas Leesfield CE Primary School in Lees.

“I did think about what I was going to do a lot because I have my own family, but it was something I would have done for anyone close to me.

“I have known Ruth since I was four, she is like another sister to me, and Mark is close to me and my family so doing this seemed an obvious thing to do.”