Strood mother-of-four Allison Powell was nominated for a Pride in Medway award after bravely donating a kidney to her parent.

Allison decided to help, fearing her mother would have to wait months for a suitable donor.

Nicola Powell, 43, of Jersey Road, Strood, had to have a kidney transplant 13 years ago, but most of the kidney died during the procedure.

Since then it has only worked at a quarter of its normal capacity. To improve her quality of life, she needed a new one.

Allison, 28, of Marlowe Park, said: "I just wanted to improve the quality of life for mum, she would have been on dialysis for ages otherwise.

"Who knows when a new kidney would have become available?"

Allison had keyhole surgery last summer and was out of hospital just a few days later.

She said: "It's all been worthwhile, mum looks better already, the best I've seen her for years.

"I'm really happy my mum is now healthier and I don't feel any different, it's not affected me too much."

Her selfless act led to friend Clare Whalin, nominating her for a Pride in Medway Award.

Clare, 36, of Columbine Close, Strood, said: "Allison is a lovely girl and she's been really brave giving her mum a kidney.

"She's got four young children so it wasn't a light decision to go into hospital for the operation.

"I've known her about three years and think she deserves a bit of recognition. She's been really courageous."