A caring aunt flew over 4,000 miles to help her niece, who was battling cancer, when the NHS declined a liver transplant. Phoebe Clarke’s parents, from Altrincham, Manchester, were devastated to learn of her rare hepatic angiosarcoma diagnosis in February last year. Doctors recommended a full liver replacement for the nine-year-old’s long-term survival, but the NHS rejected the procedure due to the perceived high risk of the cancer recurring.
In a remarkable turn of events, a fundraising campaign raised nearly £200,000, and Phoebe’s aunt, Sarah Billington, volunteered to donate part of her liver. With the family’s determination, they traveled to Saudi Arabia for the transplant surgery.
Phoebe’s parents, Matt Clarke and Lindsey Billington, were determined to give their daughter a fighting chance against the aggressive cancer that originates in the liver’s blood vessels. Lindsey shared that Phoebe’s post-surgery recovery was progressing well, with Phoebe showing signs of feistiness and asking for water despite some discomfort.
The transplant took place at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh, where Sarah’s liver portion was successfully transplanted into Phoebe. The family received messages of support from footballer Erling Haaland and former boxing champion Frank Bruno.
Although oncologists recommended a liver transplant, the three potential NHS centers in Leeds, Kings London, and Birmingham did not consider it suitable initially. Lindsey expressed gratitude on social media for the overwhelming support that enabled them to access specialized healthcare in Saudi Arabia for Phoebe’s critical treatment.
Dr. Magnus Harrison, Chief Medical Officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, expressed regret over the decision not to offer Phoebe a transplant but highlighted that it was made after careful consideration by multiple specialist centers and NHS Blood and Transplant.
The community’s generosity and support played a crucial role in Phoebe’s journey to receiving life-saving treatment, showcasing the power of collective compassion and determination in overcoming medical challenges.