Selfless Jennifer Cox has pledged to donate a kidney to her best friend after a disease left her pal a 'ticking timebomb', writes Rebecca Smith.

Pat Guntert, 42, of Andersey Way, Abingdon, has hereditary polycystic kidney, a disease in which cysts form on her kidneys and restrict their function.

Doctors have warned that the organs will soon stop working and she will need a transplant.

Pat had always joked that her husband, Des, 49, could provide 'a spare' but six weeks ago he had to have a kidney removed because of cancer.

So her best friend Mrs Cox, 58, of Meadow View Road, Kennington, has stepped in and pledged that when the time comes, she will undergo the operation and donate one of her kidneys. Mrs Guntert said: "I always said Des could give me a spare, and then he became ill. I have good days and bad days, but on bad days I feel like a timebomb.

I couldn't believe it when Jenny said she would give me her kidney. It is a lot to ask and I wouldn't ask anyone to go through it for me. I watched Des have a kidney removed and I didn't want Jenny to go through that. I tried to convince her not to do it."

Mrs Cox said: "I went to a hospital appointment with Pat and decided there and then I would do it. I would do it tomorrow if I had to - my GP has given me the all clear.

"I am giving her some value to her life. She is such a good friend I'd do anything for her."