Britain's longest living child liver transplant patient is loving life - 36 years after op

Robert Blades, a 47-year-old father of two from The Witterings, Sussex, is celebrating 36 years of survival following his first liver transplant as a child. Born with Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, a rare genetic disorder that causes severe liver damage, Blades was given a grim prognosis at just 18 months old, expected to die by the age of nine. Today, he is not only alive but thriving, embracing an active lifestyle that includes rock climbing, swimming, and surfing. Blades' journey began with alarming symptoms. At four weeks old, he suffered internal bleeding that nearly cost him his life. Doctors discovered the underlying issue through repeated biopsies, each requiring a painful procedure involving a needle inserted between his ribs. Despite the challenges, Blades' family chose to focus on normalcy, engaging in outdoor activities such as rock climbing in Dorset and sailing in Cornwall. These moments of joy were interspersed with medical crises, including a severe internal bleed during a sailing trip to the Isle of Wight, which required emergency surgery at St Mary's Hospital in Newport. As Blades grew older, the severity of his condition worsened. By 1988, at the age of eight, he exhibited signs of advanced liver failure, including jaundice, loss of appetite, and extreme fatigue. His parents, Peter and Heather Blades, were summoned to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, a leading center for liver treatments. There, they met Sir Roy Calne, a pioneering adult liver transplant surgeon, who introduced them to a team working on pediatric cases. Though the conversation was initially vague, it hinted at the possibility of a transplant in the future. The Blades family remained largely uninformed about the specifics of liver transplantation until February 1989, when they received urgent news, a suitable donor had been located. The operation, lasting nine hours, was successful, though fraught with complications. The donor was a 13-year-old girl who had died in a car accident. After a six-week hospital stay, Blades was released, but his new liver began rejecting within months. Anti-rejection medications, while effective, brought their own set of side effects, and Blades continued to struggle with health issues. Despite these setbacks, Blades' resilience shone through. His parents, particularly Heather, recalled the emotional weight of the situation. They described feeling both hopeful and uncertain, navigating an unfamiliar landscape of medical procedures and ethical dilemmas. The lack of an established organ donor system meant that finding a second transplant was a race against time. In the end, Blades underwent a second liver transplant, which has allowed him to remain healthy and active for over three decades. Today, as a parent himself, Blades reflects on the sacrifices and strength of his own parents. He acknowledges the constant fear and uncertainty they endured, yet credits their unwavering support for his survival. As he continues to lead an active and fulfilling life, Blades stands as a testament to medical advancements and the enduring power of familial love and determination.