WOW INSPIRING LOVE STORY-'He's husband of the century': Woman pays tribute to her childhood sweetheart who donated TWO vital organs to save her life

Gift of life: Husband David Whayland was a donor for his wife Carolyn's kidney transplant just before Christmas last year

This time last year Carolyn Whaymand received a very special gift, one that was not just for Christmas, but for life.

When the 43-year-old solicitor, who suffers from the degenerative disease cystic fibrosis, was told her kidneys were failing doctors said her only chance of survival was a transplant.

It was then that David, her devoted husband of 15 years, stepped in to save her. He put his own health at risk by offering one of his organs, incredibly for the second time.

Thirteen years earlier, City accountant David, 40, had given a portion of one of his lungs to Carolyn in a pioneering operation that was hugely controversial because so many patients had died during it.

The proceedure was so risky, it has since been suspended in Britain and Carolyn is regarded as something of a medical miracle because she is one of only four patients to have survived it. 

Doctors and transplant experts also say David is the only known case in which a living donor has given up two organs.

Not only are the risks of such surgery considerable, doctors said it is highly unlikely for a husband to be able to donate to his spouse, as finding a suitable match for a transplant is notoriously difficult.

Twelve months on the couple, of Ingatestone, Essex, have been trying to get her lives back together - and Carolyn has a special message of thanks to her husband.

'Dave and I recovered well after the operation, we managed to get out just before Christmas, although had to go to clinic regularly between Christmas and New Year,' she said.

'If there was a husband of the century then he would win the award as he is truly marvellous but he would not admit to that.