Leigh Atkinson suffered with chronic kidney disease for 16 years until fiance Gill Richardson gave him her kidney

Leigh Atkinson is looking forward to a happier, healthier and longer married life after his fiancé Gill Richardson gave him the ultimate wedding gift - her kidney.

The 41-year-old was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease 16 years ago but was devastated when he discovered last year that his kidney function rate had dropped to just 10 per cent.

It meant drastic action or Leigh could face his life expectancy dropping by 10 to 20 years.

Doctors gave him a choice - have a transplant or face gruelling dialysis, which he said would have had a “disastrous” effect on his career at the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

The desperate search for a donor quickly began, with Leigh's parents steeping forward potential donors but after months of testing they were ruled out.

Anxious to help her husband-to-be Gill, 47, asked to get tested and was thrilled to find out that she was a match.

Within three months she was going under the knife - a year after the pair got engaged.

Gill, who has two daughters Jenny, 16 and Fiona, 13, said: “He stole my heart so I gave him my kidney.

“All I could think about was Leigh and if the kidney would work for him.

“Afterwards I felt quite useless but at least I was lucky enough to try to do something by donating my kidney.”

The Chandler's Ford couple, who have been together for four years after meeting through work, are both recovering well and are excited about tying the knot in February next year in the New Forest.

But Leigh, of Wood End Way, said he couldn't help but feel guilty that the woman he loved was having surgery just for him.

He said: “It was terrible for me because while Gill was having her operation I was sitting in a waiting room ahead of mine thinking that the person I love most in the world is having surgery that she does not actually need.”

Leigh, who has two sons, Robert 11 and Kieran, six, added that he would never forget Gill's sacrifice. “I will always be immensely grateful to Gill”, he said. “This will enhance the quality, and quantity, of my life.

“She has given me the ultimate wedding gift.”

Due to his poor kidney function, Leigh faced a number of medical problems, including the possibility of developing diabetes and heart problems later in life, while he has also suffered from high potassium levels - which can cause sudden death if untreated.

Now Leigh, whose kidney function is back between 50 and 60 per cent, is calling for more people to sign up as donors and help others in his situation.

The operations took place last month at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and the couple praised consultant surgeons Sam Dutta and Sonia Wakelin for helping secure a much brighter future for them.

They also thanked RBS for giving them constant support through the difficult situation.