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'Priceless' gift of life for girl saved by her uncle's kidney
Ellie Cook's bright, beaming face tells the story of how her life has been transformed after her uncle donated his kidney and saved her life.
For three years Ellie, 12, suffered from chronic kidney failure and had to endure 10 hours of daily dialysis at her home. Her only hope of living a normal life like her friends was to have a kidney transplant.
After undergoing tests, her uncle, Mark Wallis, 41, of Wortley, was found to be a match.
He said: "It's priceless. All the money in the world just couldn't buy this.
"Ellie is like a different child because she is just like a normal kid now. Without blowing my own trumpet, I am extremely proud of what I did and now I am just thrilled to bits for her.
"It's not only because it is making Ellie better but it has also given my sister and her son Jamie their life back because they were tied to a machine."
Following the operation, last December, Ellie is now a different child, full of energy, and able to enjoy her childhood.
The 12-year-old now hopes to take part in this month's Transplant Games, in Bath.
Ellie, of Stanningley, said: "I don't know what I would say to my uncle but just a big thank you and that it is something I will never forget.
"I think at the Transplant Games I will try my best but I am not bothered if I don't win anything because I have got the best present now."
Now Ellie, her mother, Jayne, and younger brother Jamie, are looking to the future.
Her mother said: "Ellie is like a different child now. She has so much energy. Mark gave her the best years of her life – he has given her her life back. Words just can't describe how grateful I am for what he has done."
Ellie is set to take part in a swimming competition at the games next Thursday.
To sign up for the Organ Donor Register call 0300 123 23 23.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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