A man who had a kidney removed not only regained full fitness in 11 months but achieve the highest grade in kick boxing.

Toby Mishon, 35, embarked on a strict fitness regime after donating one of his kidneys to save the life of his elder brother Glenn.

It has not only made him fitter but seen him gain a black belt in kick boxing.

It was 'Mishon complete' for Toby as he sat down, following 20 rounds of punching, kicking and side kicking with a series of opponents to gain his belt.

To gain a black belt in judo or kick boxing, you have to demonstrate extreme fitness, an extensive knowledge of the sport, which demands split-second reflexes and the ability to fight opponents at top level.

Toby, who had his ribs broken in the operation at the end of January, still gets the occasional twinge in his side and is sometimes breathless after bouts.

But he has kept going to achieve his goal.

He said "It has all been worthwhile. My brother Glenn is fine and looking well, after my kidney took to his body and I am now back to fitness and have achieved my target of a black belt in kick boxing.

"It certainly has been an eventful few months. It shows how worthwhile donating a kidney can be. Hopefully, what has happened to Glenn and myself will encourage others to donate kidneys."

Toby, who lives in Brighton, underwent the operation at St George's Hospital, Tooting, London, under the National Health Service.

He volunteered to donate his kidney because the health of his elder brother Glenn was fading. Tests showed Toby's kidney was a match.

Glenn, the high-profile partner in the Brighton-based Mishon Mackay estate agency business he runs with Alex Mackay, did not let on to many of his business contacts his health was failing.

After a break, both brothers got back into the swing of their business activities - Glenn selling properties in Sussex and Toby expanding the Brighton based-IT recruitment agency Danesleigh.

Toby was back kick boxing three months after the operation.

He said: "I took up kick boxing before the operation because I wanted something extra to achieve fitness, rather than just going to a gym. It is a great sport and you meet some great people."

His instructor Chris Kent, who runs the Kicks Martial Arts Centre, in Lewes Road, Brighton, was worried at first.

Chris said: "It was only recently I discovered he had all his ribs broken on the left side for the operation. I had to tell him to take it easy at first when he first came back after the operation because I could see he was getting breathless.

"Each time he fought with someone in the ring, I would tell opponents to go easy on his left side. Toby has really stuck to it. He is a plucky guy and he is now back to his full strength."

To keep his fitness at peak level, Toby regularly attends the gym at the Withdean Sports Complex, Brighton.

He has been encouraged in his fitness drive by his two children Harry, ten, and daughter, Molly, six.

He now plans to get more involved in the sport, teaching and possibly refereeing bouts.