A mum from Eltham is appealing for the best Christmas present she could ask for - a new kidney.

Carly Anderson, 36, is in desperate need of a transplant as her kidneys failed earlier this year after a spider bit her.

She lives with her three daughters - Ellie, 14, six-year-old Jessica and Billie, four - and boyfriend Ryan Rice, 32, who cares for her full time.

The poisonous spider was not the cause of her kidney failure, but she said it was the antibiotics she was given which finished the long process of killing her kidneys after years of issues.

She was diagnosed with diabetes aged 13, suffered two heart attacks, and was diagnosed in February last year with chronic artery disease and heart failure.

Carly said: "My kidneys became unwell because of the dye they used for the heart, the dye that was used for the angiogram. It was weakening my kidneys further and further.

"I was admitted to Guy's Hospital by London Bridge. I have been there for about a year and half.

"They kept saying Carly, your kidneys are failing. They said you won't feel anything, they will just go.

"I didn't think anything of that. I thought I will be alright, I am a fighter.”

That was until she was bitten by the deadly spider. She said: “I thought it was the heat burning me. But it was a spider biting me.

"In September, I went to the kidney clinic and they told me I needed a transplant.

"They told me my kidneys were dead - whatever medication you have had when that spider bit you killed your kidneys.

"They still didn't know what spider it was. I presume it was a false widow or something like that."

Now Carly needs to find a donor in time for Christmas which could save her life.

She said: "They said if you don't get a kidney you will die. They haven't given me any timespan, just that if I don't find one I won't go.

"My children are just in bits. My eldest daughter cries all the time. They think I am going to die.

"My youngest ones don't really understand about it very much. But my eldest daughter, she is constantly crying.

"I try and assure her that I am okay. She is in bits, and so is my boyfriend.

“I believe that if I am doing an appeal I will find one. It would mean the absolute world to me. It would make my Christmas.

"I would love that person that comes forward to give me the kidney.

"It would mean the world to me. It would be the best Christmas present anyone could give me, for me to be well again."