Max Johnson, the young man whose life-saving heart transplant inspired a change in organ donation laws, recently celebrated his 18th birthday. Max expressed deep gratitude to the family of Keira Ball, the young girl whose heart now beats in his chest. The transplant, performed at Newcastle Freeman Hospital when Max was nine, led to Prime Minister Theresa May introducing new legislation after reading about Max’s wait for a donor in The Mirror.
The law, enacted five years ago as part of the ‘Change the Law for Life’ campaign, is expected to save numerous lives annually. Named Max and Keira’s Law in May 2020, it dictates that adults in England are presumed organ donors unless they choose to opt out. Max, who remembers Keira on special occasions, considers each milestone as a testament to the gift of life he received.
Max’s father, Paul, shared that they celebrated with friends, with Max enjoying his first legal pint. Max, now under adult care at the Freeman Hospital, has conquered many challenges, as acknowledged by his mother, Emma. Keira’s father, Joe, made the courageous decision to donate her organs following a tragic accident in 2017, ultimately saving Max’s life and three others.
Max’s story was featured in a documentary in 2018, showcasing the live transplant operation at the Freeman Hospital. Reflecting on his journey, Max emphasized the emotional moment when Keira’s heart was transplanted into his body. He praised the Ball family for their generosity and acknowledged the pivotal role of The Mirror in the new legislation.
For more information on organ donation in the UK, click here.