A WOMAN who donated her kidney to save her neighbour’s life could be set to carry the Olympic torch next summer.

Debbie Barratt, 38, of Appleton Road, Benfleet, was named Echo Woman of the Year in June after her selfless act saved the life of next-door neighbour Ian Butcher, who had been given just five months to live. In recognition, we nominated her for Moment to Shine, a nationwide competition which aims to find inspirational individuals to carry the Olympic flame.

The mum of two has now been informed she is through to the next round of the competition, giving her a one in 14 chance of being a torchbearer.

In total, 8,000 people across the UK will be chosen to carry the Olympic torch, and they will each carry it for 300-metres as it makes its journey around the country ahead of the London Games.

Debbie said: “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity “It’s brilliant the Games are going to be in London, but to be part of it would be just incredible.

“I’m a big fan of the athletics and, of course, the mountain biking event will be just over the road in Hadleigh, so it’s very exciting.

“I’m in pretty good shape, so I think I could jog the 300 metres, but I think I’d sprint if I was going to pass it on to David Beckham.”

Mr Butcher’s kidney failed in 2000 and he had been on dialysis since. The operation was his last hope and meant he would be able to come off dialysis and live a normal life.

It was originally hoped Ian’s wife Jean would donate the organ, but screening tests revealed she would not be a suitable donor and Debbie stepped into the void.

The operation was successful, although surgeons bruised one of Ian’s nerves in the process, which means he will require further treatment.

Debbie added: “He is alive, which is the most important thing, and generally he’s doing really well.

“We’ve known each other for 10 years and it was just really upsetting to see them in such a bad way.

“I’d do it again, but I’ve only got one kidney left.”

Debbie will find out whether she has been made a torchbearer in December.