VALLEYS dad David Tilley is preparing to give the ultimate gift of life to his teenage daughter.

Mr Tilley, of Waunheulog, Nantyglo, has offered to donate a kidney to 14-year-old daughter Danielle, and needs to pass a final test before he can be approved for the operation.

The family was shocked when doctors said Danielle had suffered complete kidney failure after falling ill a year ago.

Mr Tilley said: "She was feeling unwell but there was nothing to say she was that bad. It came on so quickly.

"We went to Nevill Hall hospital and they said it was worse than we thought. She had a blood test and they said her kidneys weren't working.

"It was a big shock."

Danielle spent most of her time in hospital from April to October last year, and now needs home dialysis every evening, with her food and drink intake strictly controlled.

But factory worker Mr Tilley, 47, said Brynmawr comprehensive pupil Danielle has coped with her situation well.

"She's been absolutely brilliant -it's me and her mother Caroline that's worse than her.

"She's had four operations but taken it all on her chin."

Mr Tilley, wife Caroline, 43, and their sons Kyle, 20, and Scott, 18, all underwent tests to see if they were a suitable kidney donor for Danielle, rather than see her on an NHS waiting list, which could take several years.

But only Mr Tilley was a match, and had no second thoughts about volunteering for the op.

"It just had to be done, I didn't even think about it," he said.

He has passed a series of fitness and blood tests, and is waiting to see a heart specialist for the final go-ahead.

If he passes the test he is hoping the transplant operation will take place in August or September.