Pioneer heart op baby in emotional reunion

Oct 13 2007 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

A WOMAN celebrating 20 years since she became Britain’s youngest successful heart transplant patient has been reunited with those who saved her life.

Kaylee Davidson, of Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland, who made medical history at just five months, returned to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, where the operation took place two decades ago today.

She is now one of the longest surviving transplant babies in the world and in an emotional exchange she thanked her surgeon and the family of the donor.

“It feels really emotional coming back. I am trying hard to hold back the tears,” she said.

“Without the surgeon performing my transplant, I wouldn’t be here and without the donor, they wouldn’t have been able to do it,” she said.

“There aren’t many words I can say to the donor, but thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The reunion with cardiac surgeon Christopher McGregor was made possible via video link. Miss Davidson and her mum Carol Olley, 39, of Cotton Wood, Biddick Woods Estate, were able to thank Mr McGregor via the link to the Mayo Clinic in the US, where he is now based. He replied: “Those were very memorable days and you are a tough person.

“It is wonderful what we have done. Just keep on going strong.

“It was a very special time. It is one of those big things in your life that you never forget.” Mrs Olley thanked Mr McGregor, who was assisted by cardiac surgeon Colin Hilton, for an “amazing journey” which ended a six-week wait for a heart as her daughter’s failed.

She said: “The most emotional part of today is Kaylee being able to talk to him.

“The last time, she was five or six years old, but now she understands what happened. The enormity of it all took a while to sink in.

She said: “It’s a great celebration for us today, but we need to remember that a baby died and the parents were kind enough to give this gift to Kaylee. She used it well.

“She’s an amazing girl and I’m very proud of her.”

Miss Davidson, a keen athlete and dancer, went to Thailand in August to take part in the World Transplant Games, where she won one silver and two bronze medals.

Since her operation, 157 children have had heart or lung transplants at the Freeman Hospital, the youngest being just four weeks old. Miss Davidson hopes her story will encourage more people to sign up to the Organ Donor Register.

She said: “It’s important that people talk to their families about their wishes and tell them what they want when they die.”

Lynne Holt, Miss Davidson’s transplant co-ordinator during her operation, thanked colleagues who were involved on the night and Miss Davidson’s family for their support.

She said: “It was a little bit hairy and certainly pioneering surgery.

“We took Carol’s baby off her, not knowing exactly where it would lead.

“But they have given so much back and so much support to others going through the same procedure.”

The Freeman Hospital is appealing for more people to consider organ donation, as there are currently 120 patients waiting for hearts and lungs at the hospital, eight of whom are children.

People can join the Organ Donor Register by calling 0845 606-0400 or visiting the website www.uktransplant.org.uk