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ARYSHIRE, Scotland — Teenager Lauren Welsh's paramedic dad is officially her hero -- after he donated a kidney to save her life.
John Welsh, a team leader with the Scottish Ambulance Service, didn't hesitate to go under the knife when the 16-year-old suffered renal failure.
Now the grateful teenager is back at school and living life to the full.
It's a huge difference from a year ago when doctors said Lauren's kidneys were virtually shutting down.
She was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure after suffering from constant nosebleeds.
The teenager from Mauchline, Ayrshire, needed 10 hours of dialysis every day.
John, 49, said: "Doctors said there was no cure, only treatment. The only hope was a kidney transplant.
"Both myself and my wife Grace were tested and we were both good matches. I was first candidate.
"She's my daughter so there was no question about it. I was apprehensive but only about it being a success for Lauren. For a wee girl to get that landed on her was hell of a lot to deal with."
John had the operation in October at Glasgow's Western Infirmary. The organ was then driven across the city to Yorkhill children's hospital where Lauren was waiting for the transplant.
John said: "The kidney began working within 10 minutes. It's been a great success for her.
"The medical staff say my kidney should help her for a good number of years."
Lauren, who has a big brother John, 20, said: "I had no idea I had a kidney problem so I was shocked when I found out.
"I had felt a bit tired with not a lot of concentration and I was picky about eating."
Doctors told the family Lauren's kidneys had failed to develop as she grew.
John said: "When she was a wee girl, they worked fine but as she got closer to adulthood, they couldn't cope.
"She's back at school now and is coming on leaps and bounds."
Lauren added: "I can't thank dad enough for what he has done. Every day I just want to tell him how grateful I am."
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