Teen donor’s liver saves boy a decade later, highlighting UK organ donation decline

In 2016, 17-year-old Miriam Lee from Kettering suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and became an organ donor, providing kidneys, liver, pancreas, eyes and tissue. Her liver was transplanted into 11-month-old Ollie Jolliff of Poole, who was born with a metabolic condition that caused toxic ammonia levels. A decade later, Ollie is a healthy primary-school student, and his mother attributes his survival to Miriam’s selfless decision.

Miriam’s parents say seeing Ollie grow has helped them cope with their loss. Health officials warn that family consent for donation has dropped to 57% and that 8,700 people are currently awaiting transplants, prompting a call for more people to register with the NHS Organ Donor Register.