Lara

Lara was just two months old when she had her first operation, after being diagnosed at six weeks of age with biliary atresia. During the following year Lara would spend more time in hospital than at home, with a whole host of illnesses. She also needed constant top-ups of vitamins that her liver simply couldn’t produce. Lara’s family were told it was a matter of when, not if, Lara would need a liver transplant. Lara’s mum Holly said there was no surprise the day she was informed by doctors that Lara needed to go on the transplant list.

“While it was scary and upsetting to think about, it was also a relief that she may get better and have a better quality of life.” Holly said they were lucky and extremely blessed that Lara was only listed for one month. “I was at work when I got the call. It was a massive shock, she hadn’t been listed that long. While on the phone to our coordinator I experienced every single emotion you could think of, I was sad, but happy, scared but excited. Then I struggled with the emotion of knowing what this meant for another family as well,” she said.

Lara got through the 10-hour operation with flying colours and is doing well. Holly said she is incredibly grateful to the donor family. “Their generosity has given Lara and our family a new life and we will never be able to thank them enough.”

Lara’s story is featured in the Gifted Lives photography exhibition, launched as part of Donate Life Week 2017.