Oxford dad saved by liver transplant backs NHS as donor numbers fall
James Lawton is sharing his story as more than 8,700 people wait for a transplant
An Oxford father whose life was saved by a liver transplant is urging people to register as organ donors, as the NHS launches its first-ever urgent response to falling donation rates.
James Lawton, a 47-year-old from Headington, was given a second chance at life in 2022 after years of living with a rare liver disease.
His transplant was made possible by someone who died after choosing to become an organ donor.
He has been a patient of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's hepatology service since 2006, and his story is being shared during Organ Donation Week.
It comes as NHS Blood and Transplant warns that donor numbers have fallen significantly, with more than 8,700 people across the UK currently waiting for a transplant.
NHS Blood and Transplant has announced an urgent response plan after deceased donor numbers fell by 9% compared with the same period last year.
Nine people die every week while waiting for a transplant.
More than 700 potential donations did not go ahead between 2021 and 2026 because families did not know their loved one's wishes.
James was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, a rare autoimmune liver disease, in 2006 at the age of 27.
Although his condition remained stable for many years, his health then deteriorated rapidly and he was added to the liver transplant waiting list in 2022.
Following his transplant at a London trust in the same year, he has continued to receive specialist follow-up care from Oxford University Hospitals.
James said: "When nothing else could stop my liver disease, an incredible final act of generosity from a stranger gave me a second chance at life.
"I get to see my children grow up because of my amazing organ donor and the wonders of transplantation.
"We have had amazing times together as a family since my transplant and are so thankful that I am still here.
"I am incredibly thankful to my donor and their family for making the decision that gave me the chance to keep living my life."
Since his transplant, James has competed in four British Transplant Games and represented Team GB at the World Transplant Games, where he won a silver medal in squash.
Georgina O'Brien, Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation at Oxford University Hospitals, said: "We are seeing a worrying decline in organ donation at a time when more people than ever need a transplant.
"Every potential donor is incredibly important and registering a decision and sharing it with your family can make all the difference.
"When families know what their loved one wanted, they are much more likely to support organ donation. We are encouraging people to take a couple of minutes to record their decision and have that conversation with those closest to them."
As part of Organ Donation Week, specialist nurses and other colleagues will be holding awareness events across Oxfordshire to encourage people to learn more about organ donation, register their decision and discuss their wishes with family and friends.
Information stalls will be at the Churchill Hospital main entrance from Monday 21st September to Thursday 24th September, and at Level 2 of the John Radcliffe Hospital, next to the League of Friends, on Monday 21st and Wednesday 23rd September.
Both stalls will be open from 10am to 3pm.
The organ donation team will also be attending the Oxford Parkrun event at Cutteslowe Park on Saturday 26th September.
Professor Andrew Brent, Chief Medical Officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Behind every transplant statistic is a person, a family and a future that could be transformed through organ donation – and for those that receive a transplant, the generosity of another person, the donor, and their family.
"James's story shows the life-changing impact that organ donation can have, not only for recipients but for the families who get more time with their loved ones. It is a powerful reminder that every registered donor has the potential to transform multiple lives through a final act of generosity."
Each donor can potentially save up to nine lives.
People can register an organ donation decision by visiting the NHS Blood and Transplant organ donation website, calling 0300 123 23 23, or using the NHS App.