HEART transplant champion Max Johnson is only alive today thanks to Keira Ball, a nine year old girl who tragically lost her life in a car crash.
The courageous boy spearheaded new legislation known as Max and Keira’s Law which will be introduced in May.
Under the new legislation, consent for organ donation will be presumed unless people opt out and it is hoped that up to 700 lives could be saved.
Max's mum Emma is still urging people to talk to their loved ones about their final wishes
However, Max’s mum Emma, an organ donation ambassador, is still urging people to talk to their loved ones about their final wishes.
Mum-of-two Emma, 50, said: “People need to have that family conversation and record their decision with NHS Blood and Transplant so it is formally recognised.
“There are various bits of family admin around death like writing a will and life insurance so why not also talk about what happens to your physical body when you die.”
Max, 12, with mum Emma, 50, brother Henry, 14, and dad Paul, 46
Max, now 12, was only eight when he suddenly fell ill and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Doctors implanted an electric pump to keep him alive but his health was rapidly deteriorating.
Max spent 206 days in hospital on the urgent transplant list. He couldn't eat and had lost a lot of weight.
“It was desperation,” said Emma.”It eats you up not knowing when an organ will be available or if your child is going to survive long enough to get an organ.
“Max was only a whisker away from dying. Max is a very lucky little boy. His surgeon Asif Hasan said he was as close to death as you could every possibly me.
"I am 100 per cent certain that if Keira's organ hadn't been donated Max wouldn't be here now.
“My hope with the new law is that the waiting time might get that little bit shorter and more organs will become available.”
Emma is indebted to Keira’s family for saving her son’s life.
The Johnson family is indebted to the family of Keira Ball whose organs were used to save four lives, including Max
“Our gratitude deepens with time,” she said. “It was tragic for the Ball family but such an incredible gift. Our admiration for the courage of Keira’s dad Joe to be able to do what he did is immense.”
The two families have met many times and developed a close bond.
“I am so glad that the law is in both their names,” said Emma. “Max represents the suffering and the second chance given to recipients.
“Keira is symbolic of every organ donor and the difficult decision at a very sad time in their lives.”
The transplant has transformed Max’s life.
“Max has got his freedom back,” said Emma. “He can just enjoy being himself and thrive. He swims and walks. Max has a future ahead of him that he wouldn’t have had, a fresh beginning, a new life.”
There are around 6,000 people on the transplant waiting list in the UK and last year more than 400 patients died waiting for a suitable organ.
To register visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk
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