Florence urgently needs a liver
By Jess Grieveson-Smith
BBC News
The parents of a four-month-old baby have made an urgent plea for a liver donor to save her life.
Florence, from North Lincolnshire, is currently in Leeds General Infirmary and in desperate need of a transplant.
Diagnosed with biliary atresia, a bile ducts blockage, at eight weeks old, she now has end-stage liver failure.
Florence’s mother Sammy Bromfield said she had “not had a chance at life but we’re hoping”, adding finding a donor would be a “gift”.
Finding a match for her is a hard task as the criteria for a baby is strict.
Any possible donor must be aged between 18 and 50, and in blood group O. They can either be positive or negative.
A donor cannot weigh more than 9.5 stone (60kg) and must be generally fit with no significant medical conditions. They also must be psychologically fit with no significant mental health problems.
Donors cannot be heavy smokers or drinkers and must be smoke and drink-free eight weeks before the transplant.
A donor’s BMI must be between 18 and 30, and any female potential donor must not have given birth within the last six months.
‘She can go on to do great things’
Florence’s condition was discovered at a check-up with the family’s GP. Two days later, the family were in Leeds, where doctors tried to delay Florence’s need for a transplant.
It was hoped the surgery would give the family more time to find a donor.
Image source, Family handout
Dad Jamie Langton said Florence was a fighter
However, the surgery was unsuccessful, leaving Florence’s parents Miss Bromfield, a stay-at-home mum, and Jamie Langton, a shop manager, turning to social media to appeal for help.
Miss Bromfield said: “We’re having to come to terms with the fact life is never going to be the same again.
“She’s four months old and she’s spent most of her life in and out of hospital already.
“This is a gift for Flo and it’ll be a debt we’ll never be able to repay but the knowledge of knowing if you can help, it’ll give Florence the chance to have a life and go forward, live that life.
“She can go on to do great things.”
Anyone who thinks they might fit the criteria is advised to complete the form on the hospital’s website and contact them.
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