A Northumberland man has celebrated 30 years since his life-saving transplant.

Graeme Appleby, a retired agricultural engineer from Widdrington, received a kidney transplant in 1994 after being diagnosed with kidney failure at 34.

His transplant coincides with the 30th anniversary of the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Mr Appleby said: "The transplant gives you your life back – you more or less get to live a normal life again.

"You can never repay your donor and their family, I’m so grateful.

"They have given me 30 years of life (and counting)."

Mr Appleby now enjoys regular exercise, travelling with his wife, and has participated in the British and World Transplant Games.

He said: "Stop thinking about it and sign the register.

"It’s a no brainer."

Graeme Appleby received a kidney transplant in 1994 Graeme Appleby received a kidney transplant in 1994 (Image: NHS)

More than 14,500 lives in the North East and Yorkshire have been saved or improved through organ donation over the last 30 years.

However, over 1,000 patients in the region are still waiting for a transplant.

Anthony Clarkson, director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "With 1,036 patients in the North East and Yorkshire waiting for organ transplants, it’s more important than ever to register your organ donation decision and make it known to your family."