Student saved with fastest liver transplant in history after she is given just 48 hours to live
The parents of a girl suffering total liver failure were told by doctors that she had only 48 hours to live.
Childcare student Liesl Johncock, 20, was placed at the top of the transplant waiting list but with an average NHS waiting time of 95 days for a donor liver, her chances of survival seemed remote.
However, a new organ was sourced only two hours later – and by the following morning, the life-saving operation was completed.
Liesl, from Austrey, Warwickshire, suffers from a condition which causes white blood cells to attack and destroy the liver.
She received the transplant at Birmingham University Hospital.
Her father Bev, a quality manager for an oil rig valve company, said he was ‘astounded’ at how quickly his daughter was saved.
Yesterday, Liesl told of her surprise and relief at waking up to discover she had a new liver and her life had been saved.
She said: ‘When I opened my eyes I was very woozy and still very dazed – I didn’t know where I was or what had happened.
‘The doctor explained what had gone on and said I had already had a liver transplant – I was speechless.
‘I cannot believe how quickly they managed to find me a new liver. I am so grateful – they saved my life without me having a clue what danger I was in.’
Liesl’s nightmare started in early September when she began suffering from dizzy spells and fainting, which her GP put down to a stomach infection.
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