By Sarah Newstead

Last updated 13:11, Tuesday, 02 December 2008

The Cumbrian brother and sister who took part in a kidney transplant are both doing well.

Ian Morrison with his sister Fiona Wood

Fiona Wood flew 4,000 miles from her new home in America to give her brother Ian Morrison one of her kidneys after he was diagnosed with end stage kidney failure.

The transplant took place on November 26 at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital and it is hoped it will end 30 years of kidney problems and eight years of invasive dialysis for 62-year-old Ian.

Ian’s wife, Catherine, told the News & Star yesterday that the pair are recovering well after their operations which were conducted in adjoining theatres.

Mrs Morrison, of Upperby, said: “Fiona returned on Saturday. She is well, but sore and tired. I think she will be off sick for about a fortnight and she won’t be able to fly back to the US until after Christmas.

“Ian is up and about – he’s feeling not too bad at all and is improving. We are taking every day as it comes, but so far everything is fine.”

Ian’s body has so far accepted his sister’s kidney and is receiving treatment to reduce the chances the organ will be rejected.

According to Mrs Morrison, it is not yet clear when Ian will be discharged from hospital, but the family are still hopeful that they will be celebrating Christmas and a bright New Year together in Carlisle.

“The hospital has been wonderful and we’ve had amazing support from the Cumberland Infirmary,” she added.

Ian, a former service engineer, suffered an industrial accident over three decades ago which began his kidney problems. He has endured dialysis three times a week in recent years and his ability to participate in family life has been limited.

Ian and Fiona, who grew up in Brampton, explored the possibility of a transplant eight years ago.

But at the time, Fiona was a single parent bringing up two children alone in America.

But earlier this year, Fiona suggested they go ahead.

She flew over from Pennsylvania for tests and the process began.

Fiona and Ian are keen to stress the importance of joining the NHS Donor Register. For more information visit www.uktransplant.org.uk or call 0845 60 60 400.