A MOTHER who suffered from a potentially fatal renal condition is backing a new organ donation system to save the lives of others.

Mandy O’Connor, 46, from South Stanley, was diagnosed with diabetes at 11 years old and her kidney function eventually dropped to 21 per cent.

By the time she reached 41 she was suffering from kidney failure, was on dialysis and in need of a transplant.

Ms O’Connor, who lives with her partner, Graeme, and their son, Aiden, five, and also has an adopted son, Joshua, 14, who lives with her ex-husband, underwent the operation in August.

She said: “The doctors realised I needed a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant, called a SPK, to help me lead a normal life.

“I spent ten hours in theatre at Freeman Hospital. My transplant has changed my life. I now have the energy to play with my kids.

In October, Prime Minister Theresa May announced that the Government will change to an ‘opt-out’ system, shifting the balance of presumption in favour of organ donation, in a bid to save the lives of the 6,500 people currently waiting for a transplant.

Currently, 80 per cent of people say they would be willing to donate their organs but only 36 percent register to become an organ donor.

It is hoped that changing the system to an opt-out model of consent will mean more viable organs become available for use on the NHS, potentially saving thousands of lives.

Ms O’Connor said: “We now have the opportunity to change how organ donation works.

“There’s so much information out there about other medical issues, but people don’t talk about organ donation in the same way.

“If I was able to donate my organs I absolutely would, because I know the impact it can have and it gives someone else the chance of life.

“The donation system needs to change because it will potentially change so many lives.”

The number of people on the NHS organ donor register in County Durham at the end of last year 315,008.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt recently called on people to overcome a “fatal reluctance” to talk about organ donation with relatives.

Ms O’Connor said: “I appreciate it’s a hugely emotional decision for families to make, but it’s so important. They could be saving a child’s life.”