Woman's life-saving liver transplant helps set record

A woman from West Sussex was one of 277 people who had liver transplants at a London hospital last year - believed to be the most ever completed by a single UK transplant centre in a calendar year.

Hannah Dyos, from Horsham, was diagnosed with a rare liver disease and told a transplant would be the only way to save her life.

Her operation took place at King's College Hospital, which runs one of the largest transplantation programmes in Europe.

Ms Dyos said although her recovery had taken time, she wouldn't be here without her donor "and the incredible staff at King's who looked after me, and continue to give me amazing care".

In 2024 Hannah noticed her skin was getting yellow and she was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, a rare disease where the body's immune system damages its own healthy liver cells.

"A year later, in 2025, I started feeling really unwell," she said.

"My local hospital transferred me to King's, and I was taken straight to their Liver Intensive Therapy Unit.

"My memories from around that time are patchy, but I know I was slowly getting worse and worse. Days after I arrived at King's, I had surgery for a liver transplant,"

Miriam Cortes Cerisuelo, liver transplant consultant surgeon and clinical lead for transplant surgery at King's, said performing a record number of transplants was "the result of a huge team effort, with the support of staff members at every level".

During 2025, the trust carried out 227 adult liver transplants, and 50 paediatric transplants.

More people than ever are currently waiting for a liver transplant, Cortes Cerisuelo said.

"We will continue to do all we can to make sure we can provide life-saving treatment to those who need it," she added.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.