Renowned artist Ken White couldn't bear the thought of his daughter enduring endless kidney dialysis treatment in her tough but uncomplaining regime to make it through the day.

So Mr White, 65, jumped at the chance of donating a kidney to Laura Penn, 29, who had been undergoing four hourly dialysis sessions a day to combat a severe disorder.

Mrs Penn who lives near her parents in Swindon, was yesterday thrilled at her father's gift of life and revealed that just minutes after coming round from the three-hour operation she felt like a new woman.

She said: "It was just fantastic. I felt amazing. My mind was suddenly really clear. I felt like I had loads of energy, like I could dance on the table.

"Before, I was always tired and sick. My brain felt like it was in a fog. I was always drained.

"Suddenly I was more alert than I'd been for years. It's hard to explain. It's brilliant."

For nine years Mrs Penn has been fighting the effects of an auto-immune disease which means her immune system works overtime and ultimately attacks her body.

This led to kidney problems, which meant that she had to attach a drip to herself so that fluid could be pumped into her body every morning, afternoon, evening and night-time.

About a year ago Mr White – who designed the Memphis Belle style Virgin Atlantic lady on the company's fleet of aircraft – learned there was the chance of a transplant.

He and his wife Jan, 60, went for tests and Mr White was told that his kidney was compatible.

He said: "It was so painful to see Laura on dialysis when she should have been enjoying life. When they said my kidney would be a perfect match then I just wanted to get on with it.

"I'd do anything, obviously, to help Laura. They told me that at 70 I'd be too old to donate, so it was a relief that I wasn't five years older."

The pair underwent the operation at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford three weeks ago and are making a good recovery.

Mrs Penn, who works for the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers said: "We were both a bit scared but it was a routine operation for the surgeons.

"I'm still a bit sore but I feel great. I've had a lot of sickness and difficulty with this condition. I've never even been able to have a night out during my twenties."

Mrs Penn, whose husband Simon is also thrilled at her transformation, added: "Now I've got a new life thanks to the surgeons and my dad. It's unbelievable."

Mr White has painted murals all over the world, and is also known for his stunning depictions of life at the Swindon railway works.

Preparing work for an exhibition in Swindon, he said: "I was just so glad to have helped Laura. It's great to see her with a new lease of life."

He also joined his daughter in urging people to become life-saving organ donors.

For more information on becoming an organ donor visit call the NHS organ donor hotline on 0845 60 60 400 or visit www.uktransplant.org.uk