A mother said she was "overwhelmed" after her daughter underwent a gruelling transplant operation to save her brother's life.

Iris Watts from Canvey said the amazing gesture left her reliving events of 28 years ago when her husband Peter had surgery for the same devastating kidney condition.

At the time Peter, who died in 1987, could only hope for an anonymous donor to give him a kidney.

Their son Paul, 47, and daughter Christine Hatcher, 50, were yesterday (Wednesday) both recovering well from yesterday's major four-hour operation at the Royal London Hospital.

Paul became ill five years ago with the incurable hereditary disease polycistic kidneys. He - and another sister Sandra Kimber from Basildon - were born with cysts on their kidneys which erupt when sufferers reach their 40s.

His condition became life-threatening last year, despite lengthy kidney dialysis, and doctors insisted his only chance was a transplant.

He was placed on a waiting list, but no donors were suitable. The hospital suggested testing members of Paul's family to see if they could help and Christine didn't hesitate to come forward. Her kidneys were a rare perfect match.

The operation has so far proved a success, although it will be a couple of days before it is known whether Paul's body has accepted the organ.

Ironically Paul, of Nelson Road, South Ockendon, is in the same ward at the Royal London Hospital where his father had his identical transplant operation in June 1972. Peter lived another 15 years, but died aged 59.

Iris, 74, of Borrett Avenue, said: "I feel like I'm reliving the events of 28 years ago. I'm overwhelmed by what Christine has done for Paul. He would not have stood a chance if he'd waited on the transplant list. As far as they can tell everything went well. They are both in recovery, awake and talking."

Mother-of-two Christine lives in Horsham, Sussex, and works in PR while Paul has a 13-year-old daughter and works at South Ockendon post office. Their 44-year-old sister Sandra, of Plumberow, Basildon, has dormant cysts and as yet does not need a transplant.

Happy - Iris Watts with family snaps of daughter Christine and son Paul

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

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