JOHN Johnstone has just one message for the family who made it possible for him to have a life-saving transplant:

"Thank you. You have changed my life."

John, 51, says he couldn't wish for more after being given a new kidney this year in a Glasgow hospital.

"Life is full," he says. "Nothing seems to put me down."

The father-of-three was diagnosed with kidney problems at the age of three when doctors discovered one of his kidneys was smaller than the other.

However the condition didn't really affect his health and he was able to lead a normal life. Five years ago, that changed.

He said: "I was in Switzerland working. I started feeling itchy all over. I told one of my colleagues and he thought it might be diabetes. When I got home I went to the doctor and he ran some tests. He told me that both my kidneys were failing.

"It was as if someone had hit me with a sledgehammer."

Doctors told John, from Coatbridge, that he would have to go on kidney dialysis immediately. He opted for overnight dialysis, at home, which would allow him to continue his job as a coach driver for Parks of Hamilton.

However he struggled to adjust to the treatment, which left him tired, because he was unable to sleep properly.

He sank into depression and doctors referred him to a psychologist.

"That really helped me," he says. "It lifted the burden."

John's wife Maureen put herself forward as a possible live donor but was not the right match.

The years passed and John gave up hope of getting the call.

Around 600 people in Scotland are currently waiting for a transplant - 90% are waiting for a new kidney. One in three will die before a match is found.

When John got the call on March 1 this year to say a possible match had been found he says he was overcome with excitement.

"It was a Saturday night about 10.30pm and I was on dialysis." he says. "At first I thought people were winding me up.

"I was as high as a kite, phoning my brothers and my mates. I was crying over the phone with excitement.

"I wanted to go for a pint to celebrate but they told me I had to finish my dialysis treatment."

John was told to arrive at the Western Infimary by 7am the following day and after tests to ensure the organ was a definite match, the transplant was given the go-ahead.

WHEN he woke up after the operation he had just one wish. Something that most of take for granted.

"It seems so silly but I couldn't wait for a bath." he laughs. "When I was on dialysis I couldn't have one in case the water got into the hole where the catheter is put in for the dialysis treatment. I could only have showers. That was all I really wanted to do."

He admits he didn't feel that different when he first woke up from the surgery because it can take some time for the new kidney to kick in.

However seven months on, he says the difference to his life is incalculable.

He says: "I've got my life back. I can go out for a meal at night now with my wife. I can go on holiday. It's made such a difference, not just to my life but to my wife's life.

"She says I'm not as crabbit anymore." He plans to hold a celebratory first birthday for his new kidney next year on March 2.

John backs the Evening Times' campaign for an opt-out transplant system in Scotland to help increase the number of organs available for life-saving transplants.

Wales will introduce the system on December 1 next year and the government estimates it could lead to an extra 45 transplants each year.

Next Thursday the consultation for a proposed bill put forward by Glasgow MSP Anne McTaggart will come to an end. The Evening Times is part of the steering group that has shaped the Organ and Tissue Donation (Scotland) Bill.

John says: "It's a great idea. I don't think many people would 'opt out.' There are a lot of good people in the world. If they can help someone, they would."

n To take part in the consultation go to www.annemctaggart.co.uk/organ-donation-bill-consultation-launched

caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk