Would you give a kidney to a work colleague?

For most people, making a cup of tea for their colleague is a nice thing to do.

But Terri Smith, 27, went one better. She donated a kidney to her workmate – and almost died doing it.

Terri offered the organ to Martin Baker, 52, who she works alongside, after seeing how down he was about having to undergo dialysis at hospital in Maidstone, Kent, three times a week.

Martin Baker and Terri Smith (PA)

Martin, 52,  was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was five. He admits the illness left him feeling suicidal at times.

But after donating her kidney in August last year, Terri suffered serious complications during the surgery and went into anaphylactic shock. She spent seven months in and out of hospital and underwent four further operations.

“It has strained our friendship and at times I haven’t wanted to talk to him,” Terri said. “I know it’s not his fault, it’s just a natural human response on my part, but the transformation in Martin far outweighs any complications I had.”

Now the pair, who talk every day, share an unshakable bond and Terri says she does not regret helping Martin, a colleague at UK Power Networks.

Terri and Martin in the office of UK Power Networks (PA)

Terri, from Maidstone, says: “I don’t think there was a reason why I agreed to do it other than knowing I could help somebody. It was my idea and when I mentioned it to Martin he was very against it at first as he was more scared of the operation than I was.”

Tests emerged Terri was not a perfect kidney match for Martin – but better than a deceased donor.

Terri continued: “We had to go for counselling to check we were doing it for the right reasons and that I wasn’t being paid.

“Martin had to lose weight before they would carry out the operation so I made him walk with me round the park each night and use the stairs at work instead of the lift at work.”

Martin was undergoing kidney dialysis three times a week before the operation (PA)

Martin said: “My kidney function had been going down for years and as it got worse I felt permanently tired. In 2010 my doctor referred me for dialysis.

“Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday they connected me to the machine for four hours to clean my blood. I absolutely hated it.

“Years ago I told people I would rather die than have a kidney transplant. Then my grandchildren started coming along (I have seven now) and it changed my perspective.”

Life-saver Terri and Martin even went on holiday together to celebrate afterwards.

Terri and Martin (PA)

“I can never repay Terri for what she did for me,” Martin said

Terri is still on antibiotics to manage sickness, infections and pain since the operation.