HEROIC FATHER DONATES KIDNEY TO SICK GIRL AFTER LOSING HIS OWN TO KIDNEY DISEASE
Amber, age 11, recently received a kidney from Andy Emmott, a 55-year-old man from Tadcaster, England. Following the death of his daughter Sarah from kidney disease, the decision was made. Andy decided to honour his daughter's memory by giving Amber another chance at life after being moved by her story and seeing similarities to his own experience.
"I felt I just had to put myself forward after seeing the appeal for Amber and realizing how much Amber and Sarah were alike," says Emmott. "I gave a kidney because my daughter received one from a generous stranger."
Since birth, Sarah has struggled with various health issues, including congenital nephrotic syndrome, a rare and complicated kidney disease. Kalvin Phillips, a football player for Leeds United and England, helped her find a donor after her local campaign garnered national attention for her kidney transplant campaign. But despite all of this work, Sarah tragically died at the age of 8 364 days after the transplant.
Emmot was quick to lend a hand to another girl in need despite his struggles. Following the successful surgery, Emmott and Amber are both recuperating nicely, and Emmott recently started working again at a nearby energy company. "It is amazing that Andy was able to make a difference in the life of another young girl following such a devastating loss," stated Amanda White, his manager. He’s been trying to raise money for Theodora Children's Charity ever since his daughter was diagnosed.
Sarah benefited from the company's practice of sending performers to children's hospitals to help them feel better during their illness. Martin House Hospice, which collaborated with the charity, and Leeds General Infirmary provided Sarah with care during her brief life. Emmott shares, “They brought so much joy and laughter to her and were a great distraction for her.”