A dad’s gave an 11-year-old girl his kidney as she reminded him of his own little girl who passed away. Andy Emmott, 55, donated his kidney “without hesitation” after he found out Amber was in desperate need of the organ.
It was a situation that mirrored his loss of daughter Sarah, who passed away at age eight despite receiving a transplant following a battle with congenital nephrotic syndrome.
The campaign for Sarah’s transplant had even gained support from Leeds United and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips before her death, 364 days after the transplant.
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Andy said: “I donated a kidney because a kind stranger donated one to my daughter. I saw the appeal for Amber and there were so many similarities between Amber and Sarah that I felt I just had to put myself forward and luckily, I was a very good match.”
Andy Emmott in hospital
Now on the mend, Andy, from Tadcaster, Yorkshire, has returned to work at Northern Powergrid, currently performing office duties while he still recovers from surgery.
His manager, Amanda White, said: “I am scared stiff to donate blood, so to donate a kidney is amazing.
“I didn’t know Andy when he lost Sarah, but having visited him at home while he has been recovering, her presence is everywhere, photo after photo.
Andy’s manager said Sarah’s presence is still everywhere around his house
“What is obvious is how loved she is and how happy she was despite everything she was going through. Every photo Sarah is wearing the most infectious smile. So, for Andy to change the life of another little girl after such a painful loss is incredible.”
“As a team we are really proud of Andy, and we wish both him and Amber a full and speedy recovery.”
Since Sarah’s diagnosis, Andy has worked tirelessly to raise funds for Theodora Children’s Charity.
Andy Emmott with daughter Sarah Emmott
He added: “Theodora Children’s Charity supported Sarah during her numerous stays on the children’s ward at Leeds General Infirmary. They bought so much joy and laughter to her and were a great distraction for her.
“They are a small charity and don’t get much as much support for the work that they do, having to compete with bigger well-known charities so any donations are much appreciated.”
If you would like to donate to the charity, you can do so here.