A father did not hesitate when doctors said he could save his daughter by giving her part of his liver. On 16 July 2026 surgeons at two Birmingham hospitals carried out the transplant that has left Harriet Griffiths thriving at home and her father Rory recovered within weeks.
Rory Griffiths, 34, a pig farmer from near Whitchurch in Shropshire, donated approximately 20 percent of his liver. The segment weighed 311 grams, roughly the size of a soft-drinks can. Harriet, then 22 months old, had been diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency at eight weeks. The inherited disorder produced chronic liver disease. By the time she reached one year doctors concluded a transplant offered the clearest route to a normal life.
The operations took place simultaneously. Surgeons removed the portion of Rory's liver at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. It was then transported the short distance to Birmingham Children's Hospital, where Mr Hector Vilca-Melendez led the team that implanted it into Harriet. The paediatric procedure lasted around six hours.
Rory spent six days in hospital. Harriet remained for two months and needed two further operations. His liver regenerated fully within 12 weeks. She is now at home, growing, gaining weight, eating well and running about. The contrast between the father's swift recovery and his daughter's longer road underlines the uneven burden parents accept without complaint.
Rory Griffiths said that when he sees Harriet running about it is brilliant.
Between 10 and 15 percent of liver transplants in the United Kingdom come from living donors, who are usually close relatives. Birmingham is one of three specialist centres, alongside London and Leeds, that perform these procedures. The programme at Birmingham Children's Hospital had been re-established through the dedication of a multidisciplinary team.
Mr Hector Vilca-Melendez, Harriet's surgeon, described Rory as the real hero. He noted that the family was incredibly supportive, an element he regards as essential. The mother must accept risk not only to her daughter but also to her husband. Emily Griffiths, 31, kept herself busy during the long wait. She walked around Birmingham and shed a tear of relief when surgeons confirmed they could proceed.
