BOLTON kidney patient Matthew Rimmer has survived a life-or-death health scare only two months after undergoing a transplant operation.

Matthew, 19, was rushed into a hospital's intensive care unit amid fears that his body had rejected his new kidney.

But after emergency treatment at Manchester Royal Infirmary -- where he was kept under close obervation by medical staff for several days -- the battling teenager has been allowed to return home.

And now thankfully he is on the road to recovery once again

Matthew, though, has been told he must return to the hospital three times a week so the medical staff can keep an eye on him.

But regardless he is now looking forward to celebrating his 20th birthday at a bash next week.

Originally the party was supposed to be a joint celebration for his transplant but following his recent illness, mum Marlene decided to postpone the celebration until he gets the all-clear.

She said: "Matthew has been treated now for a virus in the new kidney and he was very, very poorly. It was a bit touch and go whether he would be okay but he seems to have pulled through again."

Matthew of Brook Gardens, Harwood, has become a local star since the BEN started featuring his plight in May.

First, we stepped in to help when health chiefs refused transport for his regular trips to Salford's Hope Hospital for dialysis because he was not a priority.

Marlene was forced to give up her job so she could take him the 150 miles each week -- so the BEN arranged for charity first-aiders St John Ambulance to take Matthew for the life-saving treatment.

But just days later he received a call saying a donor had become available -- ending a two-year nightmare for him and his family.

Now looking forward to the future Marlene added: "Doctors have picked up early signs of rejection twice and treated it but the recovery has not been as easy as we thought it would be. I think we were a little naive about how much the surgery would affect Matthew." Matthew now hopes to go back to work next month at the Mecca bingo hall but for the time being has ruled out a return to his sports studies.

He does have ambitions though to take part in his favourite sport, hockey, at future transplant games.

Marlene said: "He is picking up again now and looking forward to the party. He still goes out with his friends although he can't drink much.

"He still goes out clubbing until all hours though and is making up for lost time."