A YOUNGSTER whose life was saved by an emergency liver transplant is appearing on the BBC’s Countryfile this Sunday.
Violet, aged eight from York is taking part in a Countryfile Ramble on the show to fundraise for BBC Children in Need.
Violet has been supported by a Children in Need-funded project, Transplant Sport, since she was three years old.
Born with OTC deficiency, a metabolic condition which causes ammonia levels to rise in the body, Violet spent the first two years of her life regularly hospitalised.
Aged two she received a liver transplant which sadly began to fail and she was placed on the national Super Urgent list for transplant.
With heartfelt gratitude to her second donor and their family, Violet received her life-saving surgery only a few hours later.
Since then Violet has gone from strength to strength and regularly competes in Transplant Sport supported by Children in Need.
Transplant Sport gives children, young people and adults who have received organ, stem cell or bone marrow transplants the opportunity to meet new people and make memories with their friends whilst promoting an active lifestyle, which is essential for post-transplant health.
Violet said: “Transplant Sport has given me the confidence to try new things, make new friends and to believe in myself.
“It has shown me that winning isn’t always about coming first in a race, it can also be about overcoming a challenge and feeling proud of yourself.
“This year, I overcame my fear of blood tests and it felt amazing to know that I had finally won that battle, with support from my Transplant Team friends.
“I hope that by completing the ramble and abseil, I will be able to encourage people to talk about organ donation, show why Transplant Sport is so important, and inspire people to believe that with determination and the right support, they can overcome any challenge.”
In North Yorkshire, BBC Children in Need currently fund 21 projects to the value of £1,288,521
Violet’s Countryfile Ramble will be broadcast as part of The Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need, on BBC One, this Sunday, October 24 at 6pm.
