In January, Amy Back was making arrangements for her husband’s funeral.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Mr and Mrs Back will be renewing their vows and raising money for the NNUH dialysis team Picture: Jacob MasseyMr and Mrs Back will be renewing their vows and raising money for the NNUH dialysis team Picture: Jacob Massey (Image: Archant)

But now, she is preparing to renew her wedding vows to the love of her life Marc in a “very special ceremony” as he continues to fight a deadly kidney condition - which was made worse by his pet budgies.

In 2004 Mr Back had a seizure and was diagnosed with epilepsy and renal failure.

Mr Back’s illnesses meant he was no longer able to work, with Mrs Back becoming his full time carer.

He now has end-stage renal failure, meaning his kidneys no longer function, and he does three hours of dialysis treatment a day at his home in Sidney Close.

While the treatment keeps Mr Back alive, it is not a substitute for a functioning kidney and he is extremely weak and prone to contracting illnesses.

Since his diagnosis, his health has been in decline, however, last December Mr Back’s condition took a nosedive.

Mr Back said: “I had two months where life didn’t exist; it just got worse and worse. I saw around five doctors at the James Paget and they did all sorts of tests, but a month on I had lost about four stone and they still didn’t know what was wrong with me. They didn’t have the renal consultants there so they had to send me to Norwich to have the proper tests.”

It was found Mr Back was allergic to birds, meaning every weekend he returned home from the Paget, the company of his six budgies was worsening his condition.

After taking them back to the pet store, his health began to improve, and having celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary, the couple have decided to renew their vows.

Mrs Back said: “I was told to expect the worst. I already had a funeral planned. So we’re going all out now.”

At the ceremony there will be a raffle in aid of the NNUH dialysis team, with prizes including a signed Norwich flag, boat trips and theatre tickets.

The raffle will take place after the renewal of their vows at 6pm at the Grange Hotel, in Ormesby St Margaret, on Saturday, June 16.

Tickets can be purchased from the hotel.