The mother of a 10-year-old boy who has been on the waiting list for a kidney transplant for nine years is appealing for people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Matthew Pietrzyk, from Glenfield, Leicestershire, was born with a congenital problem which stopped his kidneys working properly.
His mother Nicola gave him one of hers when he was a year old but it had to be removed because of complications two days later.
Now, the little boy, who has neither of his kidneys, is on dialysis and takes 18 tablets a day just to stay alive.
Mrs Pietrzyk said: "His life at the moment is so much about medicines and machines, diet restrictions and fluid restrictions.
"Matthew copes so well and we're incredibly proud of him.
"We try to keep life as normal as possible but there are times when it can be very difficult because he's just not free to do the things his friends and brothers can.
"Matthew is absolutely mad about football but unfortunately he can't enjoy playing as he'd love to be able to do.
"A transplant would change Matthew's life and it would change life for our family.
"But it's not just about us, there are thousands of people who need a transplant and are going through what we are.
"Organ donation is an amazing gift. We need more people to understand organ donation and join the NHS Organ Donor Register."
Matthew's details have been revealed to mark World Kidney Day
Sally Johnson, director of NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "It is difficult for all patients waiting for a transplant, but it can be particularly hard for children and their families.
"Sadly Matthew is not alone and there are currently 65 children on the UK Transplant waiting list for a kidney."
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