Incredible heart transplant teenager celebrates double milestone just 7 years after her lifesaving operation
‘ I will always honour the second chance at life that they gave me’
Courageous teenager Kayleigh Llewellyn is celebrating a whole list of new achievements - less than seven years after she had a heart transplant.
Kayleigh, who will turn 19 years old this month, just keeps on defying the odds and forever remains grateful for the gift of life.
Her latest milestones include passing her driving test. Her delighted parents Sonia Llewellyn and Shaun Sidney surprised her with a VW car to mark the big day, and she has named it Betty.
The Seaham teenager is also doing an Art degree at college and helps on her days off by doing teaching work in local schools.
Kayleigh said: “After facing many challenges, including a heart transplant and multiple surgeries, I’m proud to be living life to the fullest and making the most of every opportunity.
“This year has been particularly special as I’ve achieved one of my biggest goals by getting my dream car. I’m also working towards my ambition of becoming a teacher, a career I’ve always been passionate about, and I’m enjoying gaining experience in education.
“Nearly seven years ago, I received a heart transplant, and I am forever grateful to my donor, Sinead, and their family for their selfless decision. Because of them, I have been able to celebrate birthdays, achieve my goals, make memories with family and friends, and look forward to a bright future. Not a day goes by that I don’t carry their gift with me, and I will always honour the second chance at life that they gave me.”
Dad Shaun said: “We couldn't be any prouder of Kayleigh if we tried. We still can't believe she is turning 19.”
“Like her mam Sonia she has found a passion for teaching and she is taking courses this summer to follow in her footsteps and become a Senco teaching assistant.”
In 2019, Kayleigh Llewellyn was a 12 year old girl battling for life. She had been training in a school football session the night before she took ill, and then went home to spend time on her Xbox.
Her heart rate was too high and she was sent to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
She was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy which is a form of heart disease. Kayleigh was taken to the High Dependency Unit and underwent surgery for a VAD Pump to be fitted on the left side of her heart, while the right side of her heart was linked to an ECMO machine.
Kayleigh had her transplant in November 2019 but only came home in January 2020 after 102 days in hospital. She and her family say they are forever grateful to the donor family after she received the heart of Sinead Bree, 19.
People are being urged to confirm their organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 or use the NHS app.