Youngest transplant patient’s milestone
8:11am Monday 28th April 2008
A WOMAN who became Britain's youngest heart transplant patient as a baby celebrates a special milestone today.
Kaylee Davidson became an inspiration for all transplant patients when she made medical history at the age of five months.
Born in perfect health on April 28, 1987, she became breathless and blue at four months and was admitted to the cardiac unit at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.
Her life was saved by the transplant after a six-week wait for a suitable donor.
More than two decades on, she has been a regular competitor at the World Transplant Games, and today celebrates her 21st birthday.
Speaking from the family home in Biddick Woods, Penshaw, on Wearside, her mother, 40-year-old Carol Olley, recalled the months of agony as Kaylee's life hung in the balance.
She was told Kaylee might have to go to the US for a transplant, because no babies had survived the operation in the UK.
"It was a terrifying dilemma, but, following a rethink by the medical staff, and the fact that the Freeman Hospital was an adult heart transplant centre with a growing reputation, they agreed to put Kaylee on the transplant list in the UK.
"Should a donor become available, they said they would attempt surgery in Newcastle."
Kaylee received her new heart on October 14, 1987.
Mrs Davidson said: "The joy of Kaylee being given a second chance was overwhelming.
"However, the sadness I felt for the donor family will remain forever."
As she grew up, competing in the World Transplant Games from an early age, Kaylee supported the work her mother performed, raising the profile of the need for more organ donors.
Kaylee said: "When you say heart transplant, most people think of adults - not a baby or a young child or teenager.
"I would not be here now without the generosity of a parent allowing the gift of life.
"We plan to celebrate with friends," said Kaylee, who attended the Northern Transplant Charity Ball, at Newcastle's Centre for Life, on Saturday.
In October, the Freeman Hospital marked the 20th anniversary of Kaylee's transplant, when she spoke via video link with her surgeon, Christopher McGregor, now based at the Mayo Clinic, in the US.
The heart transplant programme was started at the Freeman Hospital in 1985 by Mr Mc- Gregor and, since then, there have been many well-publicised milestones and innovations.
The first successful single-lung transplant in Europe was carried out at the Freeman, followed by many other pioneering operations, including heart and lung, double lung, and live lung transplants.
Mrs Olley, a transplant active project manager with Transplant Sport UK (TSUK), said Kaylee had proved, "an amazing example"
of transplantation.
Saturday's ball was hosted by former Coronation Street, now Doctors actress, and TSUK supporter Angela Lonsdale.
Proceeds will go to Heart Research UK and the Transplant Support Network.