A PRESTON man is waiting to have an organ transplant operation that would give him back the life he once had.

For Kenneth Rufus, 53, of Woodville Road, Penwortham, needs of a new kidney after suferring from a genetic organ disorder.

The father-of-two is currently on the transplant register and awaiting a suitable match before an operation can go ahead. Doctors have told him this could take years.

"It's an awful situation to be in," said Kenneth. "You're basically waiting for someone to die."

In the meantime Kenneth has to map his day around a 20 minute dialysis treatment which he administers at home using a two litre bag of fluid attached to a tube leading to his abdomen.

It is a routine he has to go through four times a day, 365 days a year. Without it Kenneth would be seriously ill.

But a kidney transplant operation would give the civil servant a new lease of life to share with wife Karen and their two grown-up sons.

"I used to attend keep fit and be a lot more active," said Kenneth, who works as a meat inspector. "But I've had to curb that now.

"This condition saps your energy and I get tired very easily. I can't even go out somewhere for the day because I have to get back home for my treatment. Even when I'm at work.

"Some days I get so depressed. I get sick and tired of clock watching and doing the same thing day in, day out.

"A transplant would give me back the life I had before."

Kenneth's inherited condition -- polycystic disease -- has caused massive deterioration and his kidneys only function to three per cent their normal capacity.

His late father suffered from the condition and Kenneth's sister, Elizabeth Garside, also inherited the life-threatening disease.

Elizabeth, who has five children, had a kidney transplant in February this year and is now leading a full and healthy life. Her brother is hoping he will soon get the phone call that could change his life.

"Transplants are something people don't really think about but they are a way of having your loved one live on after their death," said Kenneth. "If it were my children I wouldn't hesitate."

A spokesman for the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: "There are many people who desperately need an organ transplant which is why we need caring people to join the organ donor register. Join the register, carry the card but most importantly let your family and friends know your wishes."

For details call the NHS organ donor register on 0845 60 60 400.