Chapel-en-le-Frith man celebrates second chance at life during Organ Donation Week

A Chapel-en-le-Frith man is marking Organ Donation Week (22–28 September) by sharing his extraordinary journey of survival following a life-saving liver transplant.

James. Credit: British Liver Trust

James, 41, was first diagnosed with congenital hepatic fibrosis, a rare liver condition, when he was just five years old. For decades he managed the illness, but by 2023 his health had collapsed. His liver began to fail, leaving him battling severe complications including encephalopathy, oedema and ascites.

I was in and out of hospital, being drained of up to 11 litres of fluid every week, and eventually became so ill I was put into a coma and was being kept alive by machines.

When I was told I was too poorly for transplant, I almost gave up hope. But then, against all odds, I got the call.

In October 2024, James underwent a transplant at Leeds, but recovery was far from simple. He spent weeks in intensive care and had to relearn how to walk, eat, speak and write. Determined to pull through, he was discharged just in time to make it to his family’s traditional Boxing Day party.

James in Hospital. Credit: British Liver Trust

Now, 11 months on, James is thriving:

I feel better than I have done in years.

My fitness is almost back to my twenties, my bloods are perfect, and I can enjoy life again. I’ll never forget the generosity of my donor and their family – they gave me the most precious gift of all, a second chance at life.

National challenge

James’s story highlights the urgent need for more organ donors. NHS Blood and Transplant figures show that as of 31 March 2025, a record 8,096 patients were waiting for a transplant in the UK, including 662 in need of a liver.

Pamela Healy, chief executive at the British Liver Trust said:

Liver transplantation is a highly successful treatment for end-stage liver disease and the vast majority of people go on to live full and healthy lives. Sadly however, every year hundreds of people die while on the liver transplant waiting list. This is why it’s so important that people register their decision to become and organ donor and share their wishes with their family. No life-saving transplant would be possible without the generosity of donors and their families, they really do give the most precious gift of life.

Organ Donation Week aims to encourage people to make that pledge – ensuring more families like James’s get to enjoy a future together.

For more information, visit: www.britishlivertrust.org.uk