Since 2007, 145 live donor liver transplants have been carried out in Leeds. Currently, 81 people are waiting for a liver transplant in the Leeds area. Find out more about live liver donations on our website: Live Liver Donor Transplant Programme.
Sophie (above) donated part of her liver to her son Charlie
“Getting to donate part of my liver to my son will be the greatest thing I will ever do. To be given the opportunity to help him live a happy and normal life is priceless, and I will forever be grateful to the wonderful liver donation team for making it possible. To see him happy and healthy is worth it all.”
Aimee donated to her daughter Callie
“I had no doubt in my mind that I was going to be Callie’s donor. My friends & family were all supportive but at the same time tried to manage my expectations that I may not be a match. I had this innate sense, this absolute certainty that I would be Callie’s donor, and that became a reality!
“The testing process was thorough and I had every scan and blood test under the sun to make sure that I was fit and healthy enough to undergo the surgery.
“The level of support and genuine care that the live donor team gave throughout the whole process was incredible. And it didn’t end after the surgery and during my week’s recovery as a patient at St James’s Hospital. It continued months and years afterwards, having regular check ups and contact with the team to check in on my progress and wellbeing.
“They helped me give my baby girl a brighter and happier future with a new and healthy liver. I’m so proud that I could do that for my child.
“That was June 28 2022, and I’m pleased to say Callie is thriving. She’s a ball of energy, quick witted and makes her sister Willow and her Dad and I laugh everyday. Thank you to everyone involved!”
Anshita donated part of her liver to her son Ivaan
“A part of me now lives within my son – not just in love, but in life itself. As a living donor, I was able to give him a second chance, and today, I see him smile, grow, and thrive because of it.
“Organ donation isn’t just about giving an organ – it’s about giving someone their future, their dreams, and more precious moments with their loved ones. If you’re healthy and able, consider becoming a living donor. You have the power to save a life – just like my son’s life was saved.
“To all the doctors, nurses, and medical professionals who made this possible, I am forever grateful. And to those considering donation, know that your kindness can mean the world to someone. Be the reason someone gets a second chance at life.”
Josh donated to his son Lucas
Lucas received a life-saving liver transplant in 2023 at just 18 months old, with his dad Josh undergoing all the necessary testing to become his donor.
Kathleen donated to her son Finn
“The day my son Finn was born was the happiest of my life. Fast forward six weeks, and we were told the devastating news that Finn would need a liver transplant. The fantastic specialists advised us that what worked in Finn’s favour was that at that point the transplant wasn’t urgent.
“This turned out to be serendipitous. At six months old Finn was added to the transplant waiting list for a donor, the same milestone which also allowed me as his mother recovering from childbirth, to put myself forward to be his donor.
“The screening and process all went pretty quickly from the moment I stepped forward, and at 10 months old Finn received a bit of my liver. Whilst neither of our recoveries were completely linear, we had anticipated that and never once did I regret the decision.
“The other day, my little boy turned three years old. He is truly a marvel: clever, beautiful, hilarious, kind, and most importantly healthy. I thank my lucky stars every day that I am his mum and that some really astounding medical professionals were able to help me give him life for a second time.”
Karen donated to her son Presley
“I just want to thank St James’s Hospital liver coordination team in Leeds. Without you this would have not been possible.
“It was on 12 September 2023 when I was fortunate enough to donate part of my liver to my four-year old son to save his life. The journey for both of us has been great.
“There have been a few bumps in the road and some tweaks here and there but nothing that our teams couldn’t fix. We are both doing great and my son’s energy levels are crazy and I’m fully back to myself. If I had the choice to do it all again I would do it in a heartbeat. It’s such an amazing feeling to know that a part of me is keeping my son alive.”