Daniel: Turning 40 two months post transplant

Daniel's Journey: A New Liver, a New Lease on Life at 40

Diagnosed just three years ago, Daniel recieved a life saving liver transplant two months before his 40th birthday.

There is still so much we don't know about this disease and everyone experiences it differently. Many thanks to Daniel for sharing his journey with PSC.

Left: Daniel before transplant looking gaunt and yellow. Right: Daniel just 10 days after surgery, already feeling great and filling out in the face.

Diagnosis and the Initial Shock

I’m Daniel, husband to Clair and dad to Alice (8) and Thomas (5).

I was diagnosed with PSC early 2022, it came as a big shock but as I had no symptoms and felt well it was quickly put to the back of my mind.

A Rapid Decline

In December 2023 all the common symptoms came at once, I lost 2.5 stone, felt very fatigued and turned a grim shade of yellow. By mid January I was told by my local consultant that I needed to be referred immediately to Leeds St James’s Hospital as I would need a liver transplant within the next year.

My wife Clair and I when I was looking very gaunt and yellow in early 2024.

Me and my girl Alice, taking a selfie before heading off to Leeds Hospital after my first call. Ended up being a false alarm.

Me and my son Thomas in February 2024, looking very ill after losing 2.5 stone and feeling very fatigued.

The Transplant Journey

By the end of February 2024 I was unable to work and was subsequently added to the transplant waiting list in that April. It really was a rollercoaster up until that point with many twists and turns ahead for us as a family.

In the nine months following I had two hospital admissions with cholangitis attacks and four false calls. A tough journey to go on but I really felt looked after by the amazing teams at both the Royal Bolton Hospital and the Leeds St James’s Hospital.

A Life-Changing Gift

Just 8 weeks ago, January 2025 I was extremely grateful to have received a Liver transplant thanks to my kind donor and family. I will forever give time to thinking about the gift they have given me.

I must also say a big public thank you to all the teams at Leeds St James’s hospital, who’s care of me was truly exceptional.

Thumbs up in ICU shortly after being taken off the ventilator.

Eating toast one day after my operation.

Enjoying a cup of tea in hospital with my mother Grace in the days after surgery.

Three days after my operation, I requested a Nando’s to be brought in.

Six days after my transplant, I was allowed to walk down to Costa to meet with my beautiful children.

All patched up and ready to go 7 days after my transplant.

A Special Milestone

This week I will be turning 40, a significant milestone given recent circumstances. Naturally my family have insisted that I have a big celebration and I can’t help but think that is a good idea.

Of course my birthday is certainly worth celebrating but I see it more as a great opportunity to spend time with all my friends and loved ones so I can thank them for all the support and prayers that I have received.

Ten days after surgery, filling out in the face and feeling great.

Five weeks after my transplant having plenty of energy for a long countryside walk.

Giving Back

The thought of receiving any gifts after what I have just been given seems crazy to me. So I have decided to invite my circle to consider donating to PSC Support.

Thanks for all you do and I trust the money will come in handy as you help others with PSC and push on to finding a cure.

Thank you Daniel for sharing your story.

Follow Daniel's 40th Birthday Fundraiser