KYLE Turton is Superman as far as his cousin Chloe Kissack and their families are concerned.

For the 18 year-old from Cameron Street in Leigh bravely donated two-thirds of his liver to give 13-old Chloe the chance of a normal life.

Chloe's mum, Emma, explained how her daughter was born with a rare metabolic condition called Ornithine Carbamyl Transferase Deficiency. This meant she was missing an enzyme in her liver. As a result of this, she could only use the protein that she consumed to grow or repair muscle tissue. Any excess protein was not disposed of by her body, but instead transformed into ammonia which is toxic to the brain.

"Since she was diagnosed at 15 months old she has been on lots of medicine, a very strict low protein diet, and a night feed.

"Last November she lost her eyesight due to her brain swelling as a result of this condition, but fortunately has now recovered most of the vision.

"In recent years her condition has been very difficult to control, but after November it was virtually impossible, leading to many hospital stays at Manchester Children's Hospital, including time in intensive care and high dependency, right up to the transplant date."

Chloe's mum and dad Brian, from Bradwell Road, Lowton, were tested to see if we were a match for a transplant but were told they wouldn't be able to retain enough of their own livers for regeneration.

Emma continued: "When Kyle discovered this he put himself forward. Kyle was told that he had a liver which was large enough to donate to Chloe, and keep enough for himself so that it could regenerate.

"He donated 64% and was accepted as a donor at the end of June. We told her on her birthday on June 30. She was ecstatically happy but her first question was 'is Kyle alright with this?'."

The transplant took place on August 24.

"The difference in Chloe is phenomenal," said her mum.

"She has missed most of year eight at Lowton High School but she should hopefully be able to return at the end of November. She now has the potential for a normal and happy life.

"Kyle is now back at college and job-hunting and has recently received a letter and a specially commissioned silver badge from NHS Blood and Transplant, thanking him for his generosity.

"We could never thank him enough for what he has done for her, indeed for all the family. He is truly our hero."