UK's youngest lung donor has provided life-changing transplants for two people

The parents of the UK’s youngest lung donor have said they are extremely proud of their young son after his organs saved the lives of two people.

Theodore Omondi, known as Theo, died when he was just 42 days old after a sudden illness, but his organs have since gone on to save the lives of Imogen Bolton – who was five months old at the time – and a young adult, who was given his two kidneys.

Imogen became Britain’s youngest double lung transplant patient earlier this year, after the brave youngest underwent a seven hour operation at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital.

She was diagnosed with the rare illness Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia (ACD), which means her lungs had not properly formed, but the transplant was deemed a success and she is recovering well at home.

Hailing their son, Theo’s parents said the donation was a ‘once-in-a-lifetime chance meeting of two little people bravely and and beautifully fighting for life’.

They said: ‘We believe he would have wanted to help others if he had been able to grow up and make the decision himself.

‘We are proud of what Theo could do not just for Imogen, but also for a young adult who now runs their body with his two tiny kidneys.’

The parents, who wish to remain anonymous, added: ‘We know that every breath Imogen takes is a breath for our son. Every birthday Imogen celebrates is also a celebration of Theo’s birth.

‘We imagine how perhaps someday Imogen and Theo can blow out his birthday candles together.’

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Now, Imogen’s parents, Hayley and Jason Bolton, from Brighton, have urged people to join the organ donation register.

‘There are no words to express how grateful we are to Theo’s family for the amazing decision they made, which has saved our Beautiful Imogen’s life. Without their incredible gift, Imogen wouldn’t be here’, they said.

‘Theo lives on through Imogen, and when she hits her different milestones our family will be celebrating not one life but two.’

Sally Johnson, the director of organ donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant said: ‘Our thoughts are with Theo’s parents and his wider family. They are rightly very proud of the wonderful gift their baby son has been able to give to others.

‘It is incredibly generous to then share their thoughts and the comfort they feel knowing Imogen and her family and other recipients now have hope and life. Their compassion when faced with the terrible tragedy of losing their son, should stand as an example to us all.’