An 86-year-old woman has donated her kidney at a UK hospital, saying that she did not need two kidneys to watch television and sit at home knitting.
The pensioner, who has not been identified, approached Royal Preston Hospital asking if she was healthy enough to give her kidney, according to the Lancashire Telegraph.
"Why do I need two kidneys to sit at home knitting and watching television?” she told doctors, after asking if she could give an altruistic donation to a stranger.
“I had two kidneys, but I knew I could survive perfectly well with just one.
“So I thought why not give one away to someone who needs one while I am alive rather than waiting until after death to donate my organs.”
The woman was proclaimed fit and healthy enough to undergo the surgery, and the operation was performed at Manchester Royal Infirmary. She is the UK's oldest kidney donor.
A match has been found for the woman's kidney and donated to a stranger.
Fiona Biggins, transplant recipient co-ordinator at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, told the local paper: “There is no age limit when it comes to organ donations, although each potential donor has to be assessed on an individual basis.
“We are always extremely grateful to all those who consider making this generous offer.
“This lady has been incredibly kind by donating her kidney at the age of 85 to a complete stranger and she is a real inspiration.
“She is a very traditional and matter-of-fact woman and we have thoroughly enjoyed caring for her.
“The fact that she wanted to remain anonymous after making the donation shows how selfless she is and how she made the donation for purely altruistic reasons.
“We feel very proud to have met her and helped her through this donation.”