Courtney Evans, a 25-year-old rugby player, underwent a life-changing experience when she decided to donate part of her liver to save the life of a baby she has never met. Her selfless act involved a gruelling 10-hour operation, and now, five months later, she is eager to return to the rugby field for Wakefield Trinity’s upcoming season opener on March 23. Reflecting on her decision, Evans expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make a significant impact and still have her life intact.
The process of a living donor liver transplant, which Evans underwent, entails removing a section of the donor’s liver to transplant it into the recipient. The NHS explains that due to the liver’s regenerative abilities, both the transplanted section and the remaining portion of the donor’s liver can regrow to a normal size. Evans, a full-back player from Pontefract, West Yorkshire, was inspired to donate her liver by her work in CT radiology at the Mid Yorkshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Witnessing the transformative difference in patients’ lives post-transplant motivated her to take action.
Although her professional experiences played a role in her decision, Evans credits her father’s health struggles for instilling a caring nature within her. Having grown up caring for her diabetic father, she was familiar with the challenges of managing health issues. This background, combined with her desire to alleviate others’ suffering, led her to step forward as a liver donor. Evans’ newfound knowledge about living organ donation in March 2024 prompted her to volunteer for the procedure, marking a significant milestone in her life as she continues to pursue her passion for rugby and helping those in need.
Following her surgery at St James’s Hospital in Leeds immediately after participating in a rugby semi-final with Halifax Panthers, Evans described the liver donation process as relatively smooth, noting her tolerance for the physical aftermath due to her rugged rugby experiences. Her recovery progressed well, albeit requiring her to abstain from certain activities temporarily. Despite not knowing the specifics about the baby who received her liver, Evans receives updates on the child’s progress. Her compassionate gesture has earned her a nomination for the Inspirational Individual of the Year award at the 2025 Yorkshire Choice Awards, leaving her feeling overwhelmed, joyful, and grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact
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