A wife has donated a kidney to her husband after discovering she was a perfect match – the chances of which are millions to one.

Julie Duke, 47, of Shrubcote, Tenterden, and her husband Andy, 53, were both operated on at Guy’s Hospital in London last Friday and are now recovering from the surgery.

The operation going ahead was a relief to them both as it had been postponed on three previous occasions, when last minute checks on their health were carried out.

Mrs Duke returned home this week and it is hoped her husband will be released by the end of next week.

She said: "I’m really pleased that it’s actually happened and now all the stress is finally over and everything’s going according to plan.

"I hope it all works out in the end. It’s looking very positive – the doctors are coming round regularly to visit Andy on his ward and he’s definitely making slow progress. He’s already taking less tablets now that the kidney is taking on some of its functions."

Mrs Duke’s son Adam Dowling, a kmfm presenter, said: "The chances of a match when people are not related is millions to one. It is very rare. It was a very brave thing for my mum to do and I am very proud of her.

"The signs at the moment are very positive, although the hospital wants to keep him for the moment to make sure the kidney has been accepted. He no longer has to take some of the tablets he’s had to take for years and his kidney functions are improving.

"They are both optimistic and upbeat."

Mr and Mrs Duke have been married for almost three years.