Man donates kidney to girl after daughter's death

A man has donated his kidney to a seriously ill young girl after his own eight-year-old daughter died from kidney disease.

Andy Emmott, 55, from Tadcaster, said he underwent the transplant for an 11-year-old named Amber because his daughter Sarah had received a kidney from a stranger.

Sarah died 364 days after her transplant. Mr Emmott has since been fundraising for Theodora Children's Charity, which supported his daughter during her stays at Leeds General Infirmary.

"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," he said.

"I donated a kidney because a kind stranger donated one to my daughter," said Mr Emmott.

Sarah had been diagnosed with congenital nephrotic syndrome and underwent treatment during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Emmott said Theodora Children's Charity, which sends professional performers to visit children in hospital to try to make them laugh, had helped Sarah during her illness.

"They bought so much joy and laughter to her and were a great distraction for her," he said.

Mr Emmott has returned to his job at Northern Powergrid following his surgery, where he is sticking to office duties until he has fully recovered.

His manager, Amanda White, said Sarah's presence was "everywhere, photo after photo," when she visited Mr Emmott at home during his recovery.

"What is obvious is how loved she is and how happy she was despite everything she was going through.

"In every photo Sarah is wearing the most infectious smile.

"For Andy to change the life of another little girl after such a painful loss is incredible."

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