Boy's first 'proper Christmas' with donor heart

A four-year-old boy is looking forward to his first "proper Christmas" at home after having a heart transplant.

Freddie, from Preston, spent last Christmas in intensive care recovering from his transplant, and had also spent previous festive seasons in hospital.

"It will be nice to share our day without the need for observations, machines beeping, hospital roast dinners and being far away from family," his mum, Harriet, said.

"There are simply not enough words to describe our donor. What an amazing and brave family."

The 32-year-old said: "Freddie's life was saved because of their decision and we hope they can take a small amount of comfort.

"To be an organ donor, in our eyes, is the greatest thing you can be."

She said waiting for that call "was the worst time of our lives" and the family was aware Freddie "might not make it whilst he waited".

"Whilst it's a call you so desperately wait for, it comes with an incredible amount of emotion as you know what it means for another family," she added.

Freddie had been in hospital for about a year before his transplant in autumn last year.

His mum said since the operation he had "become a completely different person".

"Although he's kept his cheeky personality and positive outlook on life, for the first time, he has grown and put weight on," she said.

"We actually can't keep up with him anymore and spend our days chasing him round."

Harriet said it was a special moment when she was able to "cuddle him without being attached to wires or machines".

"He's been able to start school and absolutely loves it," she added.

Anthony Clarkson, director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS blood and transplant, said: "Losing a child is tragic and such a difficult time, which is why we're asking parents to think about what they might do around organ donation now.

"Families tell us that knowing their child has helped other people and another family is not facing the loss of a child too can be comforting."

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