Cradling new-born baby O’Shea, jewellery maker Michael Willis cherished that first time he met his grandson.
Granddad, Michael, who suffers from sarcoidosis, a rare lung condition, was told last year by doctors at City Hospital, Birmingham, he had six months to live – unless he underwent a double lung transplant.
Desperate to save him, consultant respiratory physician Dr Arvind Rajasekaran contacted the Royal Papworth Hospital, in Cambridge, hoping they would assist in finding a donor - and carrying out the necessary operation.
Within two months a suitable donor was found and Michael, age 60, underwent the operation - in June last year.
“I’m extremely grateful to the person who donated their lungs to me,” he recalls. “Like my wife said, someone had to go so I can be here. It was a miracle for me and my family.”
After being diagnosed, he had to use a non-invasive ventilator machine to keep him breathing as he slept. The medical team at City Hospital tried everything to help him, but the last straw was when he collapsed at home in his bathroom. He had developed pneumonia.
Dr Rajasekaran added: “We knew that Michael’s lungs couldn’t cope with the condition anymore, and that he desperately needed a double lung transplant.
Fortunately we were able to find a match for him and he had the surgery in June. Without the transplant Mr. Williams could have died within six months. We were so pleased that his operation was a success and he is recovering remarkably well.
“I feel that I have been given a second chance,” Michael said. “I need to make the most of it. Without the transplant, I would not have been able to see my great grandson.
Before I had this condition, I was very healthy and I worked full time - until I started showing symptoms of Scardoidosis. I struggled to move from one room to another, and I wasn’t able to breathe very well. I felt exhausted taking just small steps. I even needed to use an electronic wheelchair to go to the toilet.”
Dr Rajasekaran said: “It was a great collaboration between the two hospitals, and we hope to continue working with them more in the future.
He can now walk into my clinic and it really makes it all worthwhile to see how the operation has transformed his health. Since then he has been receiving specialist treatment at home from our community respiratory service.”
“I am a very fortunate person,” granddad Michael said. “I know it’s not always easy to find a match, especially for people from the African Caribbean community like myself. I hope that my story will inspire more people to consider organ donation because it saves lives.”
He went on: “It was an amazing moment meeting baby O’Shea - and one I thought would never happen.
I’m cherishing every moment that I am able to spend with my family.”
