Amber’s story: “I’ve been given a life”
Published on 24/09/2026
After receiving two life-saving liver transplants at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), Amber is sharing her story during Organ Donation Week to encourage people to support organ donation and discuss their decision with loved ones.
Amber was just 19 and studying Art and Design at Cardiff University when her life changed unexpectedly.
In March 2006, she began feeling unwell but could not explain why. While spending time with friends, one noticed the whites of her eyes had turned yellow. Concerned about how she was feeling, Amber contacted her dad and travelled home to Cirencester.
The following day, her GP referred her immediately to hospital, where tests revealed her liver was failing.
Amber was transferred to QEHB, home to one of the UK's leading liver transplant centres and within days, she was added to the emergency transplant waiting list and soon received the call that a donor liver had become available.
"It all happened so quickly," said Amber. "I didn't really have time to process what was happening. Looking back, I think it was probably much harder for my parents because they had to deal with the fear and uncertainty while everything moved so fast."
The transplant saved Amber's life, but her recovery was not straightforward. Later that year she was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, a rare autoimmune condition that affects the body's ability to produce blood cells.
Despite the challenges, Amber was determined not to let her health define her life. She returned to university, built a life in Cardiff and travelled to Australia to visit family. However, managing her health remained a constant part of everyday life.
"After the transplant my liver worked, but it was always a bit sluggish," she said. "Any infection or illness could knock me back, and over time things became more difficult."
In 2020, Amber learned that a blood clot had developed in her portal vein, the major blood vessel that carries blood to the liver. The complication was affecting the function of her transplanted liver and meant she would eventually need a second transplant.
This time, the wait was much longer.
Over several years, Amber faced repeated hospital admissions, infections and setbacks. She also lost significant muscle strength, meaning surgeons had to carefully balance her treatment and ensure she was well enough to undergo another major operation.
Throughout it all, she kept her phone close, hoping for the call that could change everything.
In October 2025, that call finally came.
Amber underwent a complex 12-hour operation to receive her second liver transplant at QEHB.
Although her recovery was slower than after her first transplant, she remembers the compassion shown by staff throughout her stay. When her birthday arrived while she was still in hospital, colleagues on Ward 306 made sure it was marked with cake, decorations and cards.
"The care I received was incredible," said Amber. "The staff never stopped supporting me, and the kindness they showed during some very difficult moments meant so much."
After spending several months recovering, Amber was discharged home in January 2026.
Today, she says her new liver is "doing amazingly" and has given her back the independence she had gradually lost.
Before her transplant, Amber was unable to be left alone and could no longer enjoy simple daily activities, including cooking, one of her favourite hobbies. Even locking the bathroom door had become a concern in case she became unwell.
Now, she is enjoying life's everyday moments again, including spending time at home with her beloved cats, Moggsy and Pixie.
"I've always believed in organ donation, but needing a transplant myself has shown me just how extraordinary that gift really is," said Amber.
"Two families made the decision to say yes to organ donation during the most difficult time of their lives. Because of them, I'm here. I've been given a life.
"I'm so grateful for the chance to do all the simple things people often take for granted. Every day feels like a gift."
Organ Donation Week is an opportunity to encourage more people to register their decision and, most importantly, share it with those closest to them. Having those conversations can help families feel confident about honouring their loved one's wishes and could one day help save or transform the lives of others, just as organ donation did for Amber.
