MUM Carole Cort has given the gift of life — to her daughter.

She didn't think twice about donating a kidney to youngest daughter Lucy who was in desperate need of a transplant — saying it is what any mother would do.

Lucy was 24-years-old when she was diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy, an auto-immune condition, which worsened last year and the family were told that a kidney transplant was the only option.

Mrs Cort, whose husband Richard is managing director of dealership Corts Ltd, in Bury said: "We had known that a kidney transplant may be an option in the future, that I was fortunate I was a match. The ideal match is a living donor, pre-dialysis and a relative.

"People tell me I'm so brave, but it's your child, you would do anything for them. People only need one kidney to survive and most of us have two healthy ones."

Lucy, who underwent the transplant in April and has been back working as an account manager for more than a month at RealityMine, said: "We are a close family and I wasn't surprised when my parents and my sister said they were would do it. I could never have asked them and didn't have to.

"They were amazing. My mother was determined she would do it, she has been brilliant, she may have minor dramas but when something big happens she is solid as a rock. She said immediately she would do it and was a match."

Now dad Richard, who was not a suitable match, will be "making a difference" to others like his daughter as he joins Lucy's surgeon Afshin Tavakoli for a marathon London to Paris bike ride in aid of Manchester-based Kidney for Life to raise money.

He will be raising money for a specialist piece of equipment, as well awareness of becoming an organ donor, particularly kidney donors.

Mr Cort, aged 59,who lives with his family in Lostock and is the, said: "All the family said they would be a donor and so the search started for a compatible donor.

"Carole has been fantastic, which mum wouldn't be. Ironically Carole hates the sight of blood or even talking about it."

He described the transplant team at Manchester Royal Infirmary, "nothing short of brilliant".

Anna, the couple's oldest daughter helped looked after her sister when she was discharged.

Mr Cort along with 38 other people ranging from transplant patients, other surgeons as well as friends will embark on the cycle on Wednesday, September 2 and finish on the 6th.

Mr Cort is raising £25,000 for a sonosite which will help speed up diagnosis.

He said: "It is 42 years since I got onto a bike and so it is a massive personal challenge.

"I am currently in full training — about 150 miles a week.

"Every mile I ride is motivated by trying to make a difference."

He is over half way to reaching his target.

Lucy said: "He is a changed man, he enjoys sports but is not into exercise.

"I'm so proud of him raising awareness of kidney donors and money for the equipment. "

Lucy and the rest of his family will meet Mr Cort at the finishing line.

To sponsor Mr Cort visit http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardCort1