The discovery of an American cousin through Facebook has given an Ashburton kidney patient the chance of a new life.

Professional musician Andy Williamson, 44, has undergone dialysis every day since his first donated organ failed in December.

While receiving treatment at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for polycystic kidney disease he updated his Facebook profile to say he was in the renal unit.

Mr Williamson had only established contact with his Michigan cousin, 41-year-old John Williamson, a year or so previously.