Douglas Barclay last saw Nicholas when he was almost three

Douglas Barclay last saw his first-born Nicholas when he was almost three but offered his kidney to the 24-year-old when he heard he had a rare disease.

A South African friend told Mr Barclay about a newspaper article saying that Nicholas had run a marathon despite suffering from Goodpasture's Syndrome.

The father-of-four, from Dorset, flew out to Cape Town for the operation.

I can see the relationship going forward and getting better and better. Douglas Barclay

When he first offered to donate his kidney his son refused the offer.

Mr Barclay, 56, said: "He was angry, saying I had come in a life-saving situation now whereas I was never in contact with him before. So he said no to start off with."

But three weeks later, he decided to accept the offer and tests carried out on Nicholas in Cape Town and his father in Burton showed a perfect match.

The operation to remove the kidney, carried out on 17 August, took four hours.

'No atmosphere'

Mr Barclay has now returned to his job in Poole, Dorset, while Nicholas is recovering in Cape Town.

Nicholas plans to go back to university to finish his business studies degree and is also hoping to come to England next summer to meet his new family.

Mr Barclay said: "I feel a lot closer to him. The first time we met there was no atmosphere.

"I can see the relationship going forward and getting better and better."

Nicholas said: "It really was a lifesaver. I will always be forever grateful."