I learnt I had chronic nephritis, or inflammation of the kidneys, in 1967. Back then I was concerned because the doctor told me there was nothing he could do to cure it. He could only monitor the deterioration of my kidneys and control my blood pressure.

For years, I kept a healthy lifestyle and was physically fit. My kidneys were functioning below par, but life continued as normal without incident. I did my best to avoid or delay the prospect of going for dialysis treatment on a permanent basis.

However, in 2003, my condition got worse. My creatinine level hit 500 umol/l. On my doctor's advice, I did the fistula in preparation for dialysis, and I went on a strict diet where I lost 16 kg from 86 kg. The whole ordeal was quite stressful as after all this, tests showed that the deterioration of my kidneys still could not be prevented.

By 2007, my creatinine level had reached 700 umol/l. My illness was affecting my blood and also causing my skin to itch constantly. Now I had no choice but to start dialysis or my other organs would be severely affected.

However, I learnt that there was another option open to me - to get a kidney transplant.

My wife and daughter were both prepared to donate but unfortunately their blood groups did not match mine. In the end, it was my elder sister who agreed to donate. She was 69 at the time.

To be sure, my sister and I went through extensive tests and inspections before we could proceed.

The tests took almost seven months. And my operation was carried out on the 30th of April 2008.

I felt relieved after the operation. I was blessed that it went through without any complications for my sister and I.

I also felt a sense of freedom. One of the first things I did was to go enjoy a good meal - I had been on a vegetarian diet for many years and I wanted to go back to a normal healthy diet.

Today, I feel very strongly about organ donation. The operation, though complex, has minimum risks in view of our highly experienced medical professionals and the excellent facilities in our hospitals. The benefits to the recipients and their families, however, are priceless.