PENYGROES residents have dug deep and raised thousands to help a family as they undergo life saving kidney transplants.

Callum O’Driscoll, 11, has just received a life-saving kidney transplant from his caring stepmother, Desiree.

After battling illness for some years, the amazing donation from Desiree has enabled him to make a giant leap forward.

When Farmer’s Arms landlord Franz Osterloh and Adrian Davies of Gwendraeth Valley Cabs heard of Callum and Desiree’s operations they decided to do something to help.

They come up with an auction, which was held last Friday and raised a £2,700 pounds thanks to generous donations enabling to auction off more than 100 items.

With the items ranging from vouchers for local businesses and services, to a signed Wales team rugby ball to a rocking horse and camping gear, it was no wonder the event raised o much money as generous regulars an residents dug deep to win.

Said Franz: "Callum is a fighter and he has been so poorly and yet so brave. When I found out that Desiree was donating her kidney to him, I knew I wanted to do something to help.

“I thought we would aim for a target of £500 to start with, but as the items for auction and as the donations poured in from the generous people of Penygroes, I thought we might raise £1000- Little did I realise that I would raise over £2700.

Franz added: “I would like to thank Adrian and all the people of Penygroes who contributed in any way.”

Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards, who is a neighbour of Calum in Penygroes said: “I would like to congratulate Franz, Adrian and all the people of Penygroes on this magnificent community effort. I am pleased to be able to report that both Calum and his step-mum are doing fine after their recent operations”