A COURAGEOUS heart transplant champion is continuing his mission to save lives by sharing his incredible journey.
Max Johnson is only alive today thanks to organ donor Keira Ball, a nine-year-old girl who tragically lost her life in a car crash.
The crusading Winsford Academy schoolboy spearheaded new legislation known as Max and Keira’s Law, named after him and the girl who saved his life.
Under the new rules, consent for organ donation will be presumed unless people opt out.
However, the 14-year-old is encouraging people to still have that conversation so that families can honour the wishes of their loved ones.
Max was only eight when he suddenly fell ill and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyophathy.
Until then, he was a normal, healthy, fun-loving child.
Doctors implanted an electric pump to keep him alive but his health rapidly deteriorated.
Max spent 206 days in hospital on the urgent transplant list.
Mum-of-two Emma, 52, said: “Max was only a whisker away from dying.
"If Keira’s organ hadn’t been donated, Max wouldn’t be here now.
“When the surgeon came in and said it had all gone really smooth, we were so relieved. It was an absolute perfect match.
“It was tragic for the Ball family but such an incredible gift. Our gratitude deepens with time.
“Our admiration for the courage of Keira’s dad Joe to be able to do what he did is immense.
“We hope that more people like Joe have the generosity, compassion and care to say yes to organ donation.”
Now, five years after the transplant, Max is going from strength to strength.
“Max is as fit as a butcher’s dog, it’s incredible,” said Emma.
“He’s big into fitness and regularly goes to the gym. He loves walking and loves school.
“He hopes to develop a career in construction or engineering. He is very creative with his hands and likes to make things.”
Max and Emma visited Runcorn pharmaceutical company Phoenix UK, to share their story after staff launched a goal to raise £20,000 for the British Heart Foundation.
This charity has been instrumental in supporting Max's campaign.
“Max is very good at giving presentations,” said Emma. “He doesn’t get nervous and is enjoys being with people.
“He has a great sense of humour.
“We hope his story will encourage people to have that conversation and talk to their families about organ donation.
“If families know a loved one’s decision it is much easier for them to honour what they would have wanted.”
Nigel Swift, managing director of Rowlands, Phoenix Uk's largest community pharmacy member organisation, said: "We were thrilled to have Max and his mum visit our team and speak about the incredible work they have done in collaboration with our charity partner BHF.
"The visit really inspired the team and made everyone more determined to go the extra mile and reach our £20,000 donation goal."
The salt stacks in Winsford Town Park were lit up in pink to mark organ donation week.
To register for organ donation visit organdonation.nhs.uk/register-your-decision/
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