Third Time and Still Fighting: Tom & Katie’s rPSC Story
With no cure or effective treatment for PSC, liver transplantation is a life-saving operation for nearly half of all PSC patients. Sadly, in some cases, even after a successful transplant, the disease can return, known as recurrent PSC (rPSC), and patients may once again face the need for another transplant. Tom is one of those patients.
Now awaiting his third liver transplant, Tom continues to face PSC with courage, supported every step of the way by his wife Katie, who has also dedicated herself to raising thousands of pounds to help us find effective treatments, and one day, a cure for this devastating disease.
Transplantation and rPSC Diagnosis
My husband Tom was diagnosed with PSC in 2011 and was subsequently transplanted in 2017. After almost 6 great years and a diagnosis of recurrent PSC, he was then transplanted again in 2023. After a great start, Tom has suffered from biliary complications and repeated Cholangitis episodes, resulting in many hospital admissions and a very uncertain time for our family.
He has now been placed back on the transplant list for a third time.
A Transplant is NOT a Cure
Many people have much less complex journeys post transplant but like with everything, there are always risks and complications that can occur.
Tom is always eager to highlight that mindset is your biggest ally when going through what he has and also connecting with and talking with other sufferers to share how you can overcome the challenges faced.
A Transplant is not a cure but a way of buying more time, and all of this started with PSC. If it weren’t for the selfless actions of his donors and their families and our unbelievable NHS, Tom wouldn’t be with us now.
We are eager to ensure that future generations should not have to go through what we have and the impact it has had on our lives.
Hospital Visits
Fourtieth Birthday Challenge
Finding treatments and a cure for PSC is crucial and so as part of my 40th birthday year, I set myself the challenge of running the Manchester Marathon, with the aim of raising funds for PSC support.
On 27th April 2025 I ran the Manchester Marathon with family friend Kev by my side. It was an incredible experience with so much support from the crowds all the way round - families outside with hosepipes as it was so hot, and people shouting out the names on running tops.
There was a particularly special moment when, as we were running, two members of the crowd shouted in support of PSC Support which was so lovely to hear! Kev also helped keep me motivated with his many dad jokes along the 26.2 mile course.
Tom hadn’t been feeling well that day, so we weren’t sure if he’d be able to make it to cheer us on. But he managed to come down with our five-year-old son, Seth, along with Kev’s family and friends, and watched us cross the finish line.
Fundraising Success
I’d hoped to reach my £500 goal but with so much support from our community I ended up raising £2,750 which completely blew me away.
PSC Support is an amazing charity doing incredible work to find treatment. and hopefully a cure, for this tough disease. They rely on donations, and I’m really happy to help out in my own way."
Thank you Katie and Tom for sharing your story about transplantation and rPSC and for your incredible effort raising awareness and vital funds for PSC Support.
