A WOMAN from Lowton who had a double transplant that changed her life is urging people to help others by signing on the organ donor list.

Sara Stiller, who now lives in Hindley, gave birth to her daughter Ellie Amelia five years ago after having a kidney and pancreas transplant at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

The 31 year-old conceived her daughter four months ago after having IVF treatment.

Former Lowton High School pupil Sara said: “I was waiting for a donor for two years from the age of 24.

“Shortly before one was found for me my doctor said I had only six months to live as my dialysis treatment was starting to fail.

“It was a very difficult experience in the period I waiting for a phone call and I am very lucky that it came in time for me.

“My mum was left heartbroken, as although she was a match for the transplant, tests showed that she would have had problems in the rest of her life due to her remaining kidney not being healthy enough to function on its own.

“I would urge people to sign the organ donor register to save a life if they cannot live anymore for whatever reason.

“It will let someone’s life continue when they cannot continue theirs.”

Sara, who was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of nine, met her husband David when he was recovering from her operation.

She remembers going to see a consultant about the possibility of her having a baby and was informed that only 77 people in the world had conceived after having an operation of Sara’s type.

Sarah went on to have a family that she always wanted and has visited a hospital transplant clinic to hear about other people’s stories to offer support to them.

She added: “I have talked to people at the clinic who have been on the waiting list for seven years and it is hard to see them clinging on for their lives.

“It is for people that have had a transplant or are waiting so I know they have been through the experience as me.”

To sign the organ donor register visit organdonation.nhs.uk.