EATING an orange and being able to turn over in bed at night have become luxuries in life for one of Cumbria's transplant recipients following 'life transforming' surgery.

After three years on the transplant list, Stephen Hancock, from Bootle, near Millom, finally received a call to say he had been matched with a kidney and his operation would take place within hours.

After a bumpy recovery period, the 55-year-old is urging everyone to take two minutes to sign the organ donation register and to crucially make their family aware of their wishes in the event of their untimely death.

"It's the most magnificent, humbling experience to have been through a transplant," he said.

"No-one celebrates getting that call, because although it is your chance at life it means someone has died and you can't help but think of the family somewhere that has suffered a tragedy."

Mr Hancock, a freelance consultant who is now looking forward to a trip away to watch the cricket test match at Headingly with a friend who has received a heart transplant, added: "The difference afterwards is staggering. Being able to eat a piece of chocolate, turn over in bed - things you no longer take for granted when you're on dialysis become such a luxury afterwards.

"I would urge people to sign the register and make their wishes known.

"Organ donation is a magical, it really is the gift of life."

To sign the register, click here: