A mother told today how she saved her son's life by giving him one of her kidneys.

Christine Wickham went through agony but says it was worth it to hear Nicholas, 20, say: "Thanks Mum."

The operation, which will enable Nicholas to live a longer, healthier life, took place in two adjoining theatres.

Surgeons removed one of Christine's kidneys and transplanted it into Nicholas within 15 minutes.

Nicholas was born with one unhealthy kidney, which became infected. Before the operation he had to take 18 pills a day.

Mother and son are now convalescing at their home in Burnham Close, Woodingdean, and Nicholas, 20, is already looking forward to playing football again.

His first words to Christine when he walked into her room at St George's Hospital in Tooting, south London, the day after the operation were: "Thanks Mum."

Christine said the op left her in pain but it was worth it to see a healthy Nicholas.

She said: "I felt really sore. After the operation I felt I had been kicked by a donkey.

"You want to do your best for your children. If it means me sacrificing a healthy kidney so I can help my son live a longer, healthier life then of course I will do it.

"I am delighted I was able to do it. I think many mothers in the same situation would do the same. I am only delighted my kidney was a match for Nicholas."

For years the Wickhams knew Nicholas would need a transplant.

He could have waited for a suitable donor but with so many pressing cases his would not have been top of the pile.

The doctors were surprised when Christine suggested they test her to see if one of her kidneys was a match for Nicholas.

Christine, a book keeper with Brighton solicitors Bosley and Co, said: "They were taken aback when I suggested I could be a possible donor. Tests were made and it was found I could be a match for Nicholas.

"They don't like taking kidneys from younger women who can have children. As I am not going to have any more children, I am delighted I can help my son."

Christine's twin sister Carole Harding also had a compatible kidney and stood by in case of last-minute problems.

Surgeon Michael Bewick, who carried out the operation, was delighted by its success.

He said: "It is very brave of a mother to go through this pain for a son or daughter.

"Even though God must have known transplants were coming by giving us one kidney too many, it is still quite a decision to make to have one taken out for the sake of another.

"This operation has gone well. Undoubtedly Nicholas's life has been prolonged by his mother's very generous gift."

Nicholas said: "I find it difficult to know what to say about what she has done, other than 'thanks'. But now she is getting better she is beginning to tick me off more.

"Convalescing has been a bit boring. But I enjoyed the Olympics. I went to watch the Albion match against Leyton Orient and I am now looking forward to seeing them gain promotion, getting back to work in my new job as a floor layer, and playing football again."