Determined Helen Jones, who had a kidney transplant less than a year ago, has been recognised by colleagues for her courage.

Miss Jones, 34, a senior supervisor at Iceland in Calne, has been nominated as the South West area representative for overcoming adversity while working for the the firm.

She suffered kidney failure at birth, but it was only a year ago she began to feel ill.

Luckily her father Keith, 64, was able to give her one of his kidneys.

It was the second blow to the family. Four years ago Miss Jones's 28-year-old sister Nicola died from a heart infection a month before she was due to travel to Afghanistan as a missionary.

She was the youngest daughter of Keith and Charlotte Jones.

Her 34-year-old sister, a former Sheldon School pupil, who lives in Charter Road in Chippenham, said: "When Nicola died it was horrible for the whole family. It devastated us. She was always the strong one compared to me.

"My parents were devastated but it has got better over time. We still think about her every day and I have pictures of her on my desk at work.

"It was tough on my dad when I became ill because of what had happened to Nicola. It was as if he was faced with losing his only surviving daughter.

"I started to feel ill early last year and it was really hard. I felt dreadful all the time. When I went to the doctors they said I either needed a transplant or would have to go on dialysis.

"But then my dad stepped in, he saved my life. Before the operation I wasn't nervous at all, in fact leading up to it I felt fine. It was only the morning of the op when I saw dad being wheeled into theatre did it hit home. He is such a strong guy though he just got on with it.

"I have suffered with this disease my whole life but now I have a fully functional I feel just amazing. It has changed my life."

She said: "When I found out I was nominated for area representative I was shocked, completely shocked, but obviously very pleased."

Now she will go to an award ceremony in Liverpool next month.

An Iceland spokesman said: "Helen is one of 48 frontline staff who have been chosen to attend our store manager conference in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

"Helen should be praised for her determination and she is admired by many members of staff for her achievements."