Sharing inspiring stories this organ donation week
Our Children’s Hospital is backing Organ Donation Week by sharing the inspiring stories of young patients whose lives have been saved by the Gift of Life.
Every year, around 30 seriously ill children undergo organ transplants at our specialist centre, thanks to the generosity of donors and their families.
Among them is four-year-old Henry, who received a liver transplant in July 2023 when he was just one year old.
He was diagnosed with biliary atresia shortly after birth, which occurs when ducts which carry bile from the liver to the gall bladder become blocked.
His mum, Jen, from Macclesfield, said: “We are just so grateful to our donor. It's such a selfless thing for them and their family to do. Without our donor, Henry wouldn't be here.”
Henry is now enjoying being a big brother to his baby sister Penelope.
Another young person whose life was changed thanks to the awesome power of organ donation is 15-year-old Kain.
Kain Wright had a successful liver transplant on 18 July this year after being diagnosed with an autoimmune liver disease.
His mum, Tammie Romih, from Nottingham said: “Kain has come such a long way since his transplant. Seeing him back at school just eight weeks later, after everything he has been through, makes us incredibly proud of his strength and determination.
“We will never be able to thank the transplant and hospital teams enough for giving our boy a second chance at life. The care, support and kindness they showed Kain and our whole family will stay with us forever.”
Kain, reflecting on the importance of organ donation week, shared: “I’m here today because someone made the selfless decision to become a donor, and their gift gave me the chance to carry on living, grow up and make more memories with my family. I’ll always be grateful for that.
“I think people should register because you could give someone a second chance at life when they need it most.”
Currently, more than 40 children are waiting for a transplant at our hospital, including young people hoping for a life-changing kidney transplant.
Carmel Capelett, Advanced Clinical Practitioner in our Renal Unit, said: “Kidney transplant waiting lists continue to increase, which means more families with seriously ill children are waiting for a phone call that will change their lives.
“This organ donation week, I encourage everyone to register your decision on the NHS organ donation website as it helps your loved ones know what you want. It takes two minutes, but it could save up to nine lives.”
Registering your organ donation decision takes just a few minutes but could save up to nine lives.
Each year, hundreds of opportunities for transplants are missed because families aren't sure what to do.
Registering your decision on the NHS Organ Donation website. helps your families to know what you want and could transform someone’s life.
