THERE can be no better argument for carrying an organ donor card than to meet someone whose life has been saved by a transplant. In National Transplant Week, feature writer Frank Elson talks to Bolton couple John and Mo Corston.

WHAT does John Corston's lung transplant mean in the overall scheme of things?

It means that a son and a daughter have their father back; it means that grandchildren have their granddad back and it means that Mo Corston has her husband and her best friend back with her.

It means that a sister still has her much loved brother and it means that countless neighbours and friends have a highly regarded friend around to talk to.

A transplant means so much more than giving life back to one person.

"For myself I always say to people that words really can't explain what it means," said John.

"I say, imagine winning the lottery 20 times over and it still isn't as wonderful.

"But I wake up every morning and I am happy. I am still alive."

John Corston, of Crompton Way was dying. No ifs or buts, his expectation of life went down from years, to months, to weeks.

But along with John's obvious distress came heartbreak for others. Workmates lost a good pal, those children and grandchildren watched him fading away -- and Mo's heart began to break.

"I actually became ill myself in the end," she said, "I would just sit at work and cry, I had high blood pressure and depression and had to give up work."

It was the little things as well. An invitation to a party or other social event? Who knew? How can you accept when John might be dead by then?

"It was not even a half-life, I just existed," added John. "I would get downstairs and I would just sit, all day."

"To get to the conservatory John would have to sit and rest in two chairs in the living room on his way.

"I would have to check his pulse and take his temperature three times a night. I had been told 'one night he won't wake up' -- that wasn't living," added Mo.

Then John had his lung transplant... and Mo got her best friend back.

"Our lives have completely changed, we've got our life back, and that's a life which includes all our friends and family," smiled Mo, "We've even been going out at night again, we'd forgotten what that was like."

Holidays, short breaks, walks in the park and around the neighbourhood, all are not only possible now but eagerly and happily taken. "I've even made new friends, people who have read about me stop and talk," said John, "It's a little like being reborn but with all the added happiness of new friends to add to the old ones and the extra appreciation of what I so very nearly lost.

"You never realise just how kind and nice people can be. I talk to the greengrocer and the butcher, and they are genuinely happy for me."

Mo was 60 recently: "We had a party and it was wonderful.

"All our friends and family were there and it was a great evening -- but most importantly, John was there.

"I wouldn't even have noticed the birthday, let alone had a party, if John had not been around. It would have been unthinkable."

It is not surprising, given the above, that John and Mo struggle to find the words to express what they feel about the relatives of whoever died but gave life by donating John's new lung.

"We're just so grateful, but that sounds lame," said John, "what else can I say? I'd like them to see one of my grandchildren, or son or daughter and see what it really means."

Since the transplant John has done what he could to encourage the carrying of donor cards. He has even appeared in a film, made by Salford University, urging people to carry the card: "and to talk to your family about it.

"It is really a shame that some relatives refuse permission for an organ donation, even when their relative has carried a card," he said.

"No-one is denying that a family death is upsetting but if people find out about how a transplant can help people like me, and not just me but those who were touched by my life, it must surely ease their pain and heartache to know that the death has not been a complete waste."

Mo has also taken part in one sponsored walk so far and intends to do others.

"The truth is here in this room right now," she said, "it's not just life for one person, or sight for another. A transplant gives a life back, or even a few lives, for many people, not just the person who receives the organ.

"The whole subject needs to be talked about more. People must discuss it with their friends and family, let them know what a marvellous thing it can be."

"I sat around all day, I was afraid to go to the toilet if Mo was at work until we got a stairlift.

"I didn't really have a life, I was just marking time until I died. You just have to experience that, it can't really be explained.

"My family was affected, everyone I knew was affected.

"Now I have a new life and it is all thanks to someone I never knew. Someone who cared enough to carry that little donor's card and put their name on the transplant register.

"Someone who gave me a second chance."

* Organ donation registration cards can be obtained by telephoning 0845 60 60 400 or register online at www.nhsorgandonor.net