Baby heart transplant patients celebrate historic first operation
Friday 12 October 2012
Printable
EmailDozens joined the recipient of the first successful baby heart transplant to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her operation today.
Kaylee Davidson-Olley, who underwent the historic procedure 25 years ago, was joined by more than 30 people who have since had the operation as babies.
On October 14 1987 Ms Davidson-Olley (pictured) made medical history at just five months old when she successfully received a heart transplant at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. Since then 112 children under the age of one from across the country have received new hearts.
Ms Davidson-Olley, 25, said: "I cannot believe that I am fit and healthy 25 years after my heart transplant.
"This was only made possible because of the generosity of a family who made that important decision about organ donation, a decision that saved my life."
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