Organ Donation Week: Stranger saves 15-year-old boy's life after making selfless decision

Organ Donation Week: Stranger saves 15-year-old boy's life after making selfless decision Kain Wright, from Nottingham, has shared his story during Organ Donation Week, which the NHS uses to highlight the importance of people choosing to give their kidneys, livers and even heart A 15-year-old boy has expressed his appreciation at being able to make more precious memories with family — after receiving a stranger's liver. Kain Wright has also been able to return to school this month, just weeks after his liver transplant. The teenager needed a new organ as his own liver had started to damage his own body, following the diagnosis of autoimmune liver disease. But getting the green light for new organs is a challenging process and it is thought Kain was one of more than 40 youngsters waiting for a transplant under the care of Birmingham Childrens' Hospital. Kidney transplant waiting lists are particularly long, doctors there say. Kain, though, was able to have the operation in July — and now, with a stranger's liver, he is able to embrace life again. The teen, from Nottingham, said: "I’m here today because someone made the selfless decision to become a donor, and their gift gave me the chance to carry on living, grow up and make more memories with my family. "I’ll always be grateful for that. I think people should register because you could give someone a second chance at life when they need it most.” Kain is now back at school, and enjoying life with his family. His mum, Tammie Romih, said: "Kain has come such a long way since his transplant. Seeing him back at school just eight weeks later, after everything he has been through, makes us incredibly proud of his strength and determination. "We will never be able to thank the transplant and hospital teams enough for giving our boy a second chance at life. The care, support and kindness they showed Kain and our whole family will stay with us forever." The youngster and his family agreed to share his experience — and his photographs with the media — during Organ Donation Week as he hopes it will inspire others to save lives. The NHS supports Organ Donation Week in late September every year. It says more than 8,000 people across the UK are waiting for a life-changing transplant. Kain was one of around 20 seriously ill children to undergo an organ transplant at Birmingham Childrens' Hospital alone so far this year, but the NHS says more can be done to save other people of all ages. Rachel Clare, specialist nurse in organ donation, said: "We need more people to confirm their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register to help save and improve more lives. Having a recorded decision gives families certainty at an incredibly difficult time. "Family support is vital to ensure organ donation can go ahead. Often families are dealing with the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one, and knowing their wishes can provide clear guidance and reassurance when decisions need to be made." Registering your organ donation decision takes just a few minutes but could save up to nine lives. Registering your decision on the NHS Organ Donation website. helps your families to know what you want and could transform someone’s life. Carmel Capelett, advanced clinical practitioner at Birmingham Childrens' Hospital, said: “Kidney transplant waiting lists continue to increase, which means more families with seriously ill children are waiting for a phone call that will change their lives. “This organ donation week, I encourage everyone to register your decision on the NHS organ donation website as it helps your loved ones know what you want. It takes two minutes, but it could save up to nine lives.”