A Bury-born doctor has shared her story of how her life was saved as a baby to help encourage more people to register as organ donors.
Hannah Logue, 30, from Prestwich, was at the top of the list for an urgent liver transplant when she was just a few months old after she was deemed to be in a life-threatening condition.
She said her parents had "watched helplessly", believing she would die.
However, a donor became available, just in time to save her life.
In return, Hannah has gone on to save more lives after becoming a doctor.
She said: “When I was born nothing seemed to be wrong, my parents thought I was happy and healthy.
“When my mum took me to my six-week check, the GP wasn’t happy with my colour and tests showed I had biliary atresia.
"At nine weeks old I had my Kasai (medical procedure) but a month later it was clear it hadn’t worked.
“They asked my mum and dad if they wanted me to be made comfortable and I might last 18 months or I could be listed for a transplant, which I was four months old.
“My condition was deteriorating and in January 1993 I was very unwell and was admitted to hospital and was put on the top of the transplant list because I was so sick.
“My mum and dad thought I was going to die, it was horrendous for them.
“They were sitting by my bedside, watching and helpless.
"Less than a month later I got a call and had a partial liver transplant, as the liver regenerates.”
Inspired by her donor, Hannah went on to become a doctor to give back to NHS and is leading a full and happy life having also married her husband, Matthew, last year.
Speaking about her condition after the transplant she said: “My mum said straightaway she couldn’t believe the colour of me, I was so pink.
“I was very lucky and I have honestly been so well ever since.
“They are so eternally grateful to my donor.
"It’s difficult for me as it’s so abstract, I was so young when it happened and I have been so well my whole life.
"It’s hard to believe it happened to me. I thank my donor for my life. It’s emotional and I can’t really put it into words."
Having recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of her liver transplant, Hannah reminisced on all she has done in that time, including going to university twice, completing medical school, getting married and travelling the world.
She said: “It’s inspired me and is the reason I am a doctor. I wanted to give back, from a young age I wanted to be a doctor and actress so thought I’d be in Casualty!
“I did a degree in Physiology then medicine and graduated as a doctor in 2019.
“Everyone in the NHS has always been amazing in looking after me and my parents have talked so highly of all the clinicians.
“I wanted to emulate that and be part of this amazing service, that saved my life.
"What better way than to dedicate my life to the NHS, I am giving back and saving some lives myself.”
Although being a transplant surgeon "wasn't for her" Hannah became an obstetrician, saying she is passionate about women’s health and has lost count of the number she has delivered.
Anyone can register to become a kidney donor after death, there is no age limit.
— NHS Organ Donation💗🫀🫁 (@NHSOrganDonor) March 6, 2023
This is why it’s so important to share your wishes on the NHS Organ Donor Register and with your loved ones. pic.twitter.com/HN0TyAevfR
Encouraging others to think about organ donation, she added: “Organ donation is so important, people must have those conversations.
"People think you don’t need to do anything, but you do, join the register and talk to your family.
“What are you going to do with your organs? Bury them, cremate them, why would you want to take them to you?
“Look at me, you can put them to good use, thousands of people need a transplant.”
Read more: Prestwich Athletic club members run with food bank donations as demand rises
Director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, Anthony Clarkson, said he wants to encourage more "lifesavers" to sign the register.
He added: “You could be a lifesaver, which is an amazing legacy to leave – organ donation saves lives.
Read more: Fundraiser for hardworking electrician who was hit by a car while on holiday
“Families will always be consulted before organ donation goes ahead and are more likely to support your decision if they know it is what you wanted.
“Please add your name and decision to the NHS Organ Donor Register to help save more lives.
"It takes just two minutes to sign up to be a lifesaver, online or using the NHS app.”
Read more: Bury woman honoured with posthumous organ donation award
If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Heywoodharriet_ or email Harriet.Heywood@newsquest.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel