A six-year-old boy from Cambridge received a rare combined liver and bowel transplant from his father at King’s College Hospital in London, in a procedure believed to have been performed on only around ten children worldwide. Harry Jackson was born with malrotation, a congenital bowel abnormality, which later led to volvulus—a life-threatening twisting of the intestine that cuts off blood supply. Over time, Harry also developed intestinal failure-associated liver disease, a progressive liver condition resulting from long-term intravenous feeding used to manage his illness.

Harry’s parents, Gary Jackson and Annie Cerveno, both volunteered to be donors, meeting with the transplant team to explore the possibility of a living donor procedure. After extensive assessments, Gary was found to be a 98 percent human leukocyte antigen (HLA) match with his son, indicating closely compatible immune systems. This made him a suitable candidate to donate part of his liver and small intestine to Harry.

In January of the previous year, Gary underwent a demanding 17-hour surgery during which approximately 20 percent of his liver and about 1.5 meters (4 to 5 feet) of his small intestine were transplanted to his son. The preparation for the operation required a strict regimen, including losing six stone in weight, adhering to a rigorous diet, and abstaining from alcohol. Following the procedure, Gary’s recovery period lasted six weeks.

Both Gary and Annie described the experience as challenging but deeply meaningful. Gary said that donating to his son was “the greatest privilege” of his life and something he would do again without hesitation. Annie highlighted the uncertainty faced by many families awaiting transplants, emphasizing the importance of living donor options for children like Harry.

Approximately three percent of liver transplants in the UK come from living donors, with most of these transplants performed for pediatric patients. King’s College Hospital, home to the Institute of Liver Studies, noted that living donations offer significant benefits, including better organ quality and the ability to plan surgeries more effectively, leading to improved outcomes.

Consultant transplant surgeons involved in the case praised the dedication of Gary throughout the process. They underscored the physical and mental challenges faced by living donors but highlighted the potentially life-saving impact on recipients. As Harry continues his recovery, the transplant team remains hopeful about his prognosis following the complex surgery.