A MAN who needs a third kidney transplant is considering looking to China for an organ taken from a criminal executed by firing squad.

Michael Marshall has been waiting for a new kidney since a second operation failed three years ago and says his condition is deteriorating.

He is looking into whether the operation could be carried out in the Far East after watching a television programme on organ transplants in China.

Mr Marshall, 35, from York, believes the organs came from executed criminals, but says he has no qualms about the possible risks involved in undergoing the operation.

The former landscape gardener has contacted a phone number in China and understands the cost would be about £7,000.

Until now, he has had dialysis treatment at home, but that is no longer considered sufficient to control his condition. Although he is on the national list for a new organ, no match has been found.

"It's a bit strange when people on dialysis, or with liver, heart, lung, pancreas problems, have to deal with desperation and someone has to be shot abroad so someone can have an organ," he said.

He added: "You're not on Death Row for nothing. There are risks with any organ you get. It doesn't matter if it's from here or over there."