22-year-old's legacy persuades many to sign up as organ donors

The husband of an inspirational liver transplant patient who campaigned for organ donation says his “selfless and caring” wife’s legacy will live on.

Gareth Jakes, aged 26, has paid tribute to wife Kate who died on August 7.

Kate, 22, from Shard End, documented her transplant journey on a blog called Talking Transplants and in turn inspired others to sign up to the donor register.

But tragically as she waited for a fourth liver transplant she passed away before a match could be found.

Kate first became ill when she was 15-years-old and was diagnosed with liver failure.

Given just 48 hours to live, a liver that was a match for Kate had to be rescued from a plane crash at Birmingham Airport.

The plane, landing from Ireland, had crashed in the fog and ice and emergency crews fought to rescue to the liver and deliver it safely to Kate.

She underwent the life-saving operation just two days after her 18th birthday in November 2010.

Days after her first transplant the liver went into necrosis and after eight days she needed a second transplant.

Then in early 2013, Kate’s health took a turn for the worse and she suffered from fluid retention around her heart and lungs and kidney failure.

She underwent a third transplant on February 4.

Meanwhile, she had met RAF airman Gareth, through family friends, and the pair had hit it off immediately.

Later in July 2014, Kate’s dream came true when the pair married at Birmingham Registry Office.

Kate’s funeral is set to take place tomorrow but the family have asked to keep the arrangements private.

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 or text SAVE to 62323. Once you’ve signed up, tell those closest to you that you want to donate.