A Father’s Second Chance
From the edge of death to the arms of his daughter again.
Gareth Weeks, 11 May 2022 vs 29 June 2022. See SWNS story SWOCliver; A dad who underwent a liver transplant has shared before and after photos of himself taken just six weeks apart to show the incredible impact of organ donation. Gareth Weeks, 38, was diagnosed with an incurable chronic liver disease six years ago and last year doctors said he was in urgent need of a new organ. After seven months of anxiously waiting for a call – with a hospital bag waiting at the door – he finally got the news to say a match had been found. By that time his skin was extremely yellow due to jaundice – his liver unable to filter his blood properly – as seen in a shocking photo taken just five days before his transplant. But a photo taken in the exact same spot just six weeks later, along with his smiling daughter Zara, six, shows just how far he has come in such a short time. Dad-of-one Gareth, from Dunfermline, Fife, is sharing his story of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and organ transplantation to educate and inspire others.
Five days before surgery: His skin glowed a terrifying, unnatural yellow → — jaundice claiming him as his failing liver drowned in bilirubin, poisoning his blood, stealing his strength, his color, his future. Seven agonizing months on the waiting list. Every day closer to goodbye.
Six weeks after the transplant: Life floods back. Skin warm and human again. A fresh scar marks the miracle across his abdomen. But look closer — the real miracle is in his eyes, his smile, the little girl clinging to him.
One selfless donor. One donated liver. One father saved. One daughter who still has her daddy.
Organ donation isn’t just medicine — it’s love that defies death. It’s second chances wrapped in courage.
Be the reason someone smiles tomorrow. Register to donate.
