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Nephew donates half his liver

8/10/2008

A TEENAGER from Audenshaw has saved his dying uncle’s life — by donating more than half his liver to him.

Arif Ali, 19, was devastated after discovering his uncle Mohammed Ashraf Chaudry had just days to live.

The 61 year old was placed on the transplant list after being diagnosed with non-alcohol related cirrhosis of the liver last year.

When a scan also discovered cancerous tumours in his liver, doctors at St James Hospital in Leeds told him he was no longer suitable for the operation.

Mr Chaudry said: "The doctors basically told me to go home and count my days. I went into shock and my wife and family was devastated. But we said there must be another way and began looking for a second opinion."

After searching the internet, his daughter, Ayesha, discovered surgeons at London’s Kings College Hospital would be prepared to operate using a live donor if a suitable match could be found.

Nephew Arif found he had the same blood type as his uncle and selflessly volunteered.

After undergoing extensive testing doctors gave Arif the green light to undergo the transplant and earlier this year. During a nine-hour operation, surgeons removed 60 per cent of Arif’s liver and grafted it on to his uncle’s.

Four months later, Mohamed, of Rochdale, is making a strong recovery.

He said: "I feel absolutely great and my health is fantastic. I have received a new lease of life and it is all thanks to Arif. If it wasn't for him I would have died. He is a hero. The surgeons were also incredible.  They are some of the top professionals in their field and they were so humble and helpful. I can’t thank them enough."

Daughter Ayesha added: "Arif has given my dad the biggest gift of all. He doesn’t like talking about it, but we are so grateful. He was so brave."

But modest Arif, whose own liver will grow back within months, brushed off the compliments.

He said: "It was something that needed to be done. I was a match so I had the opportunity to help and I stepped forward."