A MUM is set to follow in her husband’s footsteps and save one of their children’s lives by giving up a kidney.

Oliver Wishick, eight, and big sister Ella, 14, were both born with chronic kidney failure, although the illness is not proven to be genetically inherited.

Young Oliver’s condition was so severe he was put on a home dialysis machine as a baby and, when he was two, his father, Mark, 45, gave him one of his kidneys.

Up until now Ella has survived without going on dialysis, but she is now preparing for a transplant from mum Jo, 42, later this year.

Although Jo is more than happy to be a donor, the family are very apprehensive about going through the same difficult experience all over again.

She said: “It was extremely hard because Mark was laid up for four weeks afterwards, so I had to take care of everything myself.

“Oliver was only two when he had his transplant and he didn’t really know what was going on and didn’t care about any scars.

“But obviously, as a teenage girl, Ella will find it really difficult.

“I’m a bit scared about the operation because I’ve seen what my husband went through with Oliver, but I’m just pleased I can be the one to help her.”

The couple’s other child, Rosie, 11, has never suffered from the disease.

Transplants are expected to delay symptoms of chronic kidney failure for about 20 years and allow sufferers to live a normal life.

The Wishick family, of Hurst Way, Leigh, now plan to take their mind off the upcoming operation when they travel to Switzerland on Monday.

Oliver has been given the chance of a lifetime to take part in the Nicholas Cup, at the World Transplant Games, along with just three other children from the UK.

The international competition is run in memory of Nicholas Green, a seven-year-old boy from America. Five of his organs were used in transplants after he was shot dead in an attempted robbery while on holiday in Italy, in 1994.

All the children taking part have never skied before, but Mrs Wishick is confident that Oliver will be a natural.

She said: “He’s brilliant at sport and very quick to pick up anything. He could ride his bike without stabilisers before he was four, so I know he’s just going to get on really well.”

For more information about the Organ Donor Register visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.