A TODDLER with a rare disorder underwent a life-threatening liver transplant after the boy’s godfather offered to put his body – and life – on the line.

Matthew Hitchen, 2, suffers from a rare metabolic condition called Methylmalonic Acidaemia, which affects the body's ability to process protein.

Matthew cannot eat regular food and needs to be fed direct to the stomach through a tube, as well as take three kinds of medication on a daily basis.

To lessen the chances of developing further problems in later life, doctors discussed the idea of having a liver transplant.

As Matthew’s condition is genetic, mum and dad were ruled out as possible donors, but the boy’s godfather and close family friend, Carl Greenwood, from Winsford, stepped up to the plate.

“It kind of puts a bit of faith back in humanity,” Matthew's dad, Chris Hitchen said.

“They’ve taken 27 per cent of his liver. Doctors told us he could die.

“This is a guy who I’ve known for four or five years and he has put his life on the line to help my son.

“He’s done an act so caring and selfless. We’ll never be able to pay him back.”

It’s not the first time Carl, 30, has come to Matthew’s aid.

When Matthew was born his mum Sophie Normanton, 22, brought her to Carl and his wife, Natasha, in a panic as he was not feeding properly.

“He looked lifeless," Carl said. "We checked his temperature and it was way under what it should be so I called for an ambulance immediately."

Matthew slipped into a coma but was able to pull through.

He added: “We were told that if we didn’t get him to the hospital that quickly that he would have died in the night.”

Chris and Sophie have dedicated their lives to caring for their son ever since.

Last year, Carl and Natasha, 31, put themselves forward as donors as to speed up the transplant process.

Doctors warned Carl he may die on the operating table, but he says he was never deterred.

“It was a no-brainer for me,” Carl said. “There was a hell of a lot of risk involved but to me the risks were small.

“The thing is, you can’t ask people to do this. They have to offer themselves. I don’t have any regrets.”

Incredibly, Carl was discharged within three days, while Matthew will remain in Leeds General Infirmary for up to three weeks.

The family have set up a fundraising page to help them pay for driving lessons and buy a car as they will be required to attend regular check-up sessions at Leeds General Infirmary.

To donate money to help Chris and Sophie take care of young Matthew, click here.