A COUPLE from Leigh is looking forward to a bright future together after they underwent life-saving transplants within weeks of each other.

Michelle Commons and Steven Jarvis were both diagnosed with type one diabetes when they were children.

As a result, Steven’s sight has progressively deteriorated over the last eight years and he is now registered blind.

Michelle is partially sighted and has survived two heart attacks and a heart bypass operation.

In addition, both suffered from chronic kidney failure, leading to the need for a simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) transplant.

Fate brought them together, and they met last winter while they were having dialysis.

Account manager Michelle, 37, said: “At first we started as friends and found we had so much in common due to our similar experiences.

“We had our first date in December and just clicked.”

In early May, Michelle received a call saying a suitable match had been found and she underwent a successful transplant.

She said: “Within a few days I felt brighter and less tired.

“Having diabetes and feeling sick from it was all I’d known, so being ‘normal’ was a lot to take in.

“It was an emotional time.”

A week after Michelle was discharged, 34-year-old Steven received his own life-changing call.

The former van driver said: “After the operation, it felt surreal knowing I had a working pancreas, that my blood sugar levels were normal and I no longer needed insulin injections.

“My blood pressure has improved so it has taken the strain off my eyes and my sight should stabilise. “

He added: “Hopefully the world will soon be my oyster.

“I haven’t been away for over five years so I’d love to go on holiday with Michelle.

“She really understands me and what I’ve been through.”

Both Michelle and Steven expressed their thanks to the families of their donors which enabled them to have the transplants, which took place at Guy's and St Thomas Hospital.

Michelle said: “I want them to know that, although they have had an awful loss, their loved one lives on with me and has given me new life.

“Their relative has given me something magical.

“They have a place in my heart forever.”