A loving daughter from west Wales is giving her father the greatest Christmas gift of all - the chance of life.

Sarah Rees, 25, from Llanelli, is donating a kidney to her father David, whose own kidneys stopped working four years ago.

Her decision came after a gruelling year of tests to ensure she was a perfect match for her father.

Sarah, who has one child, said: "I love my dad more than anything and I just want to see him back in good health.

"He gave me my life and now it's my turn to do the same for him."

"I love my dad more than anything and I just want to see him back in good health. Sarah Rees

Former steelworker David, 51, suffered kidney failure in 1998 and is now on dialysis five times a day.

The father and daughter, from Llanelli, west Wales, will spend Christmas together before going into hospital for the transplant operation in the New Year.

"I was his only hope. I don't think I'm being brave - I'm just doing what anyone would do for their dad in this situation," she explained.

"We are going to have a lovely Christmas - but the New Year will be even better when dad has the benefit of his new kidney."

Shopworker Sarah has been warned she will be weak for at least three months after the operation.

"She is making a tremendous sacrifice - I will never be able to thank her fully," he said.

"My other daughter and son offered but it was Sarah who offered first and she is the one who has nagged.

"She doesn't agree but I think she is being very brave.

"She is in perfect health but she is willing to lose one of her kidneys to help me. "

January operation

David has become diabetic because of his kidney failure and expects the operation to go ahead in January

"A transplant is not a cure. It's a form of treatment. We've been told it will probably last for 10 to 12 years," said Mr Rees.

Sarah has been assured her job at Argos will be kept open for her until she is well enough to return to work.

A spokesman for the store said: "What she is doing is wonderful and all her workmates are behind her."