How one young liver donor saved a mother-of-three's life
Life is sweet for Stafford mother-of-three Sue Bennett these days.
But there were times when the 42-year-old was so ill she wrote farewell letters to her two sons and daughter. She even bought a wedding present for daughter Millie, now 13.
Sue, from Ranton, who is married to Anthony, started to feel unwell in 2008. She was tired, lost her appetite and her skin itched constantly.
A year later she was given the devastating news that she had the auto-immune disease primary biliary cholangitis, known as PBC.
She was referred to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital but developed a more aggressive form of the disease and was told that without a liver transplant she would die.
Her name was added to the transplant waiting list in December 2014 and she had to give up her much-loved job, working in the children and young people services. She received a call to say there was a possible donor in March last year.
But it turned out to be unsuitable as the donor had undiagnosed cancer. Sue was moved into the 'super urgent' category in June last year and was admitted to London Hospital for specialist treatment.
By the 11th of that same month she received the call that saved her life – a transplant was available.
Sue went back to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the transplant was performed the following day.
"There are no words to describe how devastating it is to know you are waiting for someone to die so you can live," said Sue.
"I spent nine days in hospital where I received the most wonderful, compassionate and skilled care.
"I was filled with such huge emotions, from gratitude to unbearable guilt, happiness to devastating grief.
"My young donor saved five people that day."
Sue's experience made her determined to thank those who saved her and she has organised a charity Casino Royale Ball in aid of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital's Liver Unit and the PBC Foundation.
The black-tie event will take place at Stafford's County Showground on September 24 and will include a three-course meal, live music by Amberjacks, an auction and raffle.
Sue, who hopes to raise £2,000, said: "I hope it will encourage others to join the organ donor register, and educate and remove the stigma of liver-related diseases. I want to give hope to others facing transplants."
Sue is appealing to businesses to sponsor a table or donate a raffle prize for the event.
A pre-ball fundraiser will be taking place at the Royal Oak, Gnosall, on July 29, from 8pm with a live band and auction part of the entertainment.
For tickets or to make a donation email sue_bennett33@btinternet.com or ralph708@btinternet.com.
