A DAD whose daughter was given a life-saving transplant after her liver failed is hoping her experience can raise awareness of the value of being an organ donor.
Dean Stockton-Beesley, from Hindley, and his wife Sarah's youngest daughter Isabella started being sick in April last year which got worse when she began vomiting daily in September.
After tests at Whiston Hospital and Alder Hey Children's Hospital, it was decided she needed to be seen by liver specialists at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
She was taken to Birmingham on October 30, and after a series of tests and her condition worsening, doctors found she needed a new liver on November 10.
As she waited for a transplant, Isabella became more exhausted, more irritable and harder to comfort.
Her liver then failed completely and she was forced to fight for her life.
But on Sunday, November 17, at a time when Isabella may have only had between one and two days to survive, Dean and his wife Sarah, from Leigh, were given the news they were waiting for.
A suitable match had been found for Isabella to receive a liver transplant and she was taken to surgery.
After an eight-and-a-half-hour operation, a successful transplant was carried out.
Now 20 months old, Isabella's recovery is going well with her going back to Birmingham every two weeks for checks.
Sarah with Isabella
Isabella, centre, with her brother Ellis, four, and sisters Macy, nine, and Grace, six
Isabella
Dad-of-four Dean, 29, said: "We are just so lucky and grateful our amazing little girl has started her recovery and should get better with every day that passes.
"Yes we know her life has now changed forever, and there's always a chance her body will reject her new liver, but thanks to some unknown hero who put their name on the organ donation register, Isabella still has a life.
"We still have our daughter, her brother Ellis and sisters Macy and Grace still have their little sister.
"Organ donation saves lives."
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Dean, who has been an organ donor for more than 10 years, said seeing the children's ward in Birmingham "opened our eyes to a completely different world".
He also praised the work of the NHS and those who have supported the family.
Dean added: "I would like to say a massive thank you to all the amazing NHS staff who have saved our little girl's life, and all the family and friends who have supported us through this difficult time and continue to support us as we continue getting Isabella back to her best."
Dean said Isabella's sudden acute liver failure is unknown and was most likely caused by a viral infection.
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