A WIDNES dad who urgently needs a double transplant says his baby daughter and wife are keeping him alive, as campaigners pledge their support.

Peter Mark, aged 32, has a rare kidney and liver disease, primary hyperoxaluria type one, and a rare blood type.

He is on dialysis at the Royal Liverpool Hospital for eight hours three evenings a week and hopes to get on a transplant list in Birmingham later this month.

His illness has now forced him to give up his job as a fork lift truck driver.

After six months apart, he has just been reunited with his Australian wife Shauna, aged 22, and 10-month-old daughter, Lylah.

The family is staying with his parents, Lesley and Brian, in Hale Road.

Peter said: “My mum and dad have been brilliant. I couldn’t ask for better parents.

“My little girl and my wife are keeping me going. The time we spent apart were the hardest six months of my life.”

Peter met his wife helping victims of the floods in Bundaberg, whilst touring Australia.

He had a visa as a skilled worker and was planning to start a new life when his health deteriorated.

He had surgery to remove kidney stones and surgeons told him he can only survive on dialysis until he has a double transplant.

Ill health meant he had to fly home, leaving his family behind.

Shauna had to sell everything she owned and only managed to fly to Britain with the help of her friends and relatives.

Peter is now fighting a legal battle as Shauna only has a holiday visa and must return to Australia in March, 2015.

Peter said:”It was love at first sight. Shauna is keeping me positive all the time.

“We’re heading for an immigration aid group to see if they can help.

“We can’t thank our family and friends enough for all their help and support.

“Everyone has been brilliant.”

Shauna’s sister, Tara Auer, who has launched a fundraising appeal in Australia, said: “All this family want is to be together, happy and healthy.

“Peter has no job and no money. All he wants is to work and provide for his family but his body will not let him.

“I am campaigning to raise awareness and funds for Peter.”

Visit gofundme.com.transplantforpeter if you can help.

“We’re heading to see an immigration aid group to see if they can help.

“We can’t thank our family and friends enough for all their help and support.

“Everyone has been brilliant.”

Shauna’s sister, Tara Auer, who has launched a fundraising appeal in Australia, said: “All this family want is to be together, happy and healthy.

“Peter has no job and no money. All he wants is to work and provide for his family but his body will not let him.

“I am campaigning to raise awareness and funds for Peter.”

Visit gofundme.com.transplantforpeter if you can help.