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In just one year, Loren from Hinckley has seen her life completely transformed - from a life-saving liver transplant to marriage and the birth of her miracle baby, Issac. 

Loren was diagnosed with liver disease at the age of 11. After an initial period of illness and treatment, her health remained stable for nearly two decades. In 2020, however, she was told she had cirrhosis (a condition in which the liver is scarred and permanently damaged) and required a transplant. 

She spent two and a half years on the waiting list before receiving her new liver at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham on 4 June 2024. 

Six months to the day after her transplant, Loren and her partner of four and a half years, Daryl, eloped in Devon. Just a week later, she discovered she was pregnant - despite previously being told she would only be able to conceive through IVF.  

While waiting for her transplant, Loren took part in the ExaLT research trial, investigating whether a home-based exercise and motivation-support programme, delivered before and after liver transplantation, can improve patients’ recovery and long-term quality of life. 

Reflecting on her experience, Loren said: "To be honest, the trial has changed my life - it’s changed my mind set to be a lot more open. It wasn’t ever about running a marathon; it was just about doing little, often. I still do the exercises now, and I feel better through the knowledge I’ve gained.”  

Throughout the trial, Loren had regular catchups with the research team, adapted her exercises when needed, and saw improvements in her strength and mobility. She believes the programme played a key role in helping her recover quickly after her transplant. 

“It definitely helped build my muscles, which was particularly noticeable after my transplant, because I was up and about within a few days - even walking around in intensive care. I knew the benefits of keeping active, and that really helped my recovery. Of course, not everyone can do that, and I know I was really lucky to have had such a good outcome.” 

One of Loren’s proudest achievements since her transplant was completing the Couch to 5K - her first time ever running - something she attributes to the motivation she gained from being part of the trial.  

With her health restored and a fresh outlook on life, Loren is looking forward to the future with her husband, baby Issac, and their dog, Charlie. She cherishes every day with her family and is excited for their planned trip to Disneyland in 2027. 

She said: “This whole experience has given me a whole new life. I was in so much pain before - even walking around was horrible. Now I can live my life, explore the world, and actually enjoy it. Everybody at QEHB who has cared for me, both during the trial and through my transplant journey, has been amazing. I’m so grateful for the life I now have.”