A 25-YEAR-OLD man who was so ill he was not expected to make Christmas, has told how a liver transplant has saved his life.

Henry Steele, of Ampleforth, had suffered from liver disease since he was ten-years-old but last year his health had seriously deteriorated and his liver was beginning to completely fail.

In June, the former York doorman got the news a donated liver would allow him a transplant, and following several serious operations, Henry said he feels dramatically better and is now able to plan for the future.

While being very remorseful another family had lost a loved one, he said he feels incredibly grateful to be alive. Henry said: “I’m a thousand times better than before, I feel I have more energy, I have got a future.

“At the time I didn’t think I would make Christmas let alone the New Year. I feel euphoric to be alive.”

He is calling for people to sign up to the organ donor register and for Government legislation that would automatically register people as donors from birth unless they opted out. “Too many people die waiting for organs.”

Henry said, “We need people to sign up to the register. Even if it doesn’t affect them, they will know someone it affects.”

To sign up to the organ donor register, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk


In depth:
How a last minute live transplant transformed Henry Steele's life>>