A teenager who sparked a change in organ donation legislation by sharing his story with a Mirror campaign has recently reached the age of 18. Max Johnson expressed profound gratitude towards the family of Keira Ball, the young girl whose donated heart saved his life. The transplant, which took place at Newcastle Freeman Hospital when Max was nine years old, was pivotal in prompting Prime Minister Theresa May to introduce a new law on organ donation 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’ initiative, is expected to significantly impact and potentially save numerous lives annually. Known as Max and Keira’s Law, it was officially passed in May 2020. The legislation in England now presumes adults as organ donors upon death unless they choose to opt out, eliminating the need for physical donor cards.
Max commemorates Keira on significant occasions such as Christmas, birthdays, and the anniversary of his life-changing transplant operation in August 2017. His recent 18th birthday celebration involved a gathering with friends and enjoying his first legal pint. Max has transitioned to adult services at the Freeman Hospital, marking a significant milestone in his ongoing medical journey.
Keira’s parents, Joe Ball and Loanna Chugg, made the compassionate decision to donate her organs following a tragic accident in 2017, ultimately saving Max’s life and three others. Max’s remarkable journey, including his heart transplant captured in a documentary, highlights the importance of organ donation awareness and the impact of individuals like Keira and her family.
Reflecting on his transformational experience, Max expressed immense gratitude towards the Ball family and acknowledged the pivotal role of The Mirror in raising awareness and influencing legislative change. For more information on organ donation in the UK, please visit the official NHS organ donation registration page.