A 17-month-old Cowdenbeath boy's life was saved by a liver transplant, giving him the chance to enjoy more birthdays and family milestones.
Leyland Stuart, now four, received the life-saving operation after being diagnosed with end-stage liver disease.
His mother, Laura Stuart, is sharing his story during Organ Donation Week (September 21-27) to highlight the importance of organ donation and to encourage more people to discuss their wishes with loved ones.
Mrs Stuart said: "We will be forever indebted to Leyland’s donor and their family.
"Their selfless decision gave our son a future.
"It gave us more birthdays, more Christmases, more memories and the privilege of watching him grow up."
Leyland had appeared healthy and happy for his first year of life, but after his first birthday, his mother noticed his stomach was swollen.
A visit to the GP led to tests that revealed liver damage, and he was eventually diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a rare genetic condition.
Doctors told the family that a liver transplant was his only chance of survival.
He was assessed and placed on the transplant list at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, but his condition deteriorated so severely that he was temporarily removed from the list until he could be stabilised with intensive medical care.
After weeks in hospital, Leyland was relisted and, just over a week after his younger sister Robin was born, the family received the call that a liver was available.
He received his transplant and was able to return home in time for Christmas.
Mrs Stuart said: "That meant everything to us, but especially to Isla (Leyland's older sister).
"She had accepted that we probably wouldn’t be home for Christmas and had been unbelievably brave throughout everything.
"Just days before the transplant, she had wished that Leyland would receive his new liver before Santa came.
"And her wish came true."
Nearly three years on, Leyland is thriving.
Mrs Stuart added: "He’s a wild, cheeky, energetic little boy who loves being outdoors and dreams of becoming a PGA professional golfer one day."
The family is sharing Leyland’s journey to raise awareness of organ donation and childhood liver disease.
They also want to offer hope to other families facing similar challenges.
Pamela Healy, chief executive at Liver UK, said: "Liver transplantation is a highly successful treatment for end-stage liver disease and the vast majority of people go on to live full and healthy lives.
"Sadly, however, every year hundreds of people die while on the liver transplant waiting list.
"This is why it’s so important that people register their decision to become an organ donor and share their wishes with their family.
"No life-saving transplant would be possible without the generosity of donors and their families.
"They really do give the most precious gift of life."
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