Ben Hardwick

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Ben Hardwick (1981–1985) was a British child who became widely known for his battle with liver disease and his subsequent liver transplant. His story captured the hearts of the British public and brought significant attention to the issue of organ donation.

Early Life

Ben Hardwick was born in 1981 in the United Kingdom. He was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare liver condition, shortly after birth. This condition led to severe liver damage, necessitating a liver transplant.

Media Attention

Ben's plight gained national attention when he appeared on the popular television program That's Life! hosted by Esther Rantzen. His appearance on the show highlighted the urgent need for organ donors and brought widespread public awareness to the challenges faced by children with liver disease.

Liver Transplant

In 1984, Ben underwent a liver transplant operation. The surgery was initially successful, and Ben's story was seen as a beacon of hope for many families dealing with similar issues. However, despite the initial success, Ben's health continued to deteriorate.

Death and Legacy

Ben Hardwick passed away in 1985, at the age of four. His death was a significant moment in the campaign for organ donation in the UK. In his memory, the Ben Hardwick Memorial Fund was established to support children with liver disease and to promote organ donation.

Impact on Organ Donation

Ben Hardwick's story had a lasting impact on the public perception of organ donation in the UK. His case led to increased awareness and a rise in the number of people signing up to be organ donors. The National Health Service (NHS) and various charities have continued to build on the awareness generated by Ben's story to encourage more people to consider organ donation.

See Also

• Organ donation
• Liver transplant
• Biliary atresia
• That's Life!
• Esther Rantzen

External Links

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