A selfless man who donated his kidney to a fellow church-goer has received a west London local heroes award.

Colin Cramp from Chiswick gave a new lease of life to Patsy Richardson, after he discovered through their local church St Paul’s in Hammersmith that she was in need of a transplant.

He, along with his wife Margaret, put themselves up to be tested immediately and Mr Cramp was a match.

Ms Richardson, 51, said: “I was born with a genetic kidney disease with no cure. For me, this meant being kept alive on dialysis.

"I have been given a second chance and a new life. All of this is because of one extraordinary man, Colin Cramp.

“When they found out that I needed a kidney transplant, and they both offered to donate. There and then on the spot. They saw that I needed help.

“It turned out that Colin was an excellent match. We went ahead with the transplant in Hammersmith Hospital - which is also full of heroes by the way.

“That was two and a half years ago. I now have a normal kidney function and a I live a full life thanks to my extraordinary donor Colin and his wife Margaret who supported him all the way.”

More heroes recognised

The awards ceremony celebrated local people who have made a difference in the community.

The Love Local Heroes Award, held by Shepherds Bush Housing Group (SBHG) which is based in Chiswick, were presented by the Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham councillor Mercy Umeh at Craft Court in Hammersmith.

Cllr Umeh said: “It is wonderful to celebrate our local unsung heroes and hear all their inspiring stories. I thank SBHG for this opportunity to recognise what others are doing in our local community.”

Mr Cramp was nominated for a hero award by his wife.

Mr Cramp who volunteers for his church and at St Vincent’s care home, said: “I visit older people at St Vincent’s care home and donated my kidney because to me community is all about inclusiveness.

“We had got to know Patsy for three months after she joined our church and was put in our life group (church but on a smaller scale).

“It was during one of our weekly meetings that Patsy happened to say she was desperate to find a kidney donor and I blurted out “I’d give you one of mine if I could.”

“Giving my kidney didn’t cost me my life but it has certainly given life to Patsy when before, she was only just existing from day to day. I am incredibly blessed to have been able to help her in this way."

Other Hounslow heroes recognised at the awards ceremony included, Mariette Wilkins, a retired nurse who volunteered for Age UK; Roz Hayward Butt who works for Hounslow Animal Welfare; and Mari Davies a volunteer for Chiswick Save the Children.