A WOMAN who had two life-saving liver transplants has called on more donors to sign up.
Cat Reid, from Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis at the age of two and suffered a life-threatening decline in her health when she was 17.
Now 29, she had a transplant the following year, but her condition attacked her new liver, leading her back to lethargy, severe itching and jaundice within six months. Doctors told her family she “didn’t have long” without a replacement organ, which she received when she was 21.
Yesterday, the former carer spoke of her gratitude to her donors for saving her life. Backing the We Need Everybody donor registration campaign, she said: “Growing up I always knew I’d need a transplant. I was so ill that eventually I just wanted my liver out of me and to feel better.
“I owe my life to my donors and their families and think about them every day.
“With my second transplant, I felt guilt at first, but now their gift is now part of me. I regard that person as my guardian angel and will never stop being grateful.
“Recovery was long, but now life is good. I have my house, my partner Campbell, and much to live for, something I’ll never take for granted.”
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