Second life-saving liver transplant a success for bride-to-be Rebecca

A bride-to-be who said her wedding could only happen if she underwent a second life-saving liver transplant is busy making plans for her big day after undergoing successful transplant surgery.
Rebecca Gough and fiance James Towse are now both looking towards the future and hope to marry in a ceremony at Leeds Town Hall in summer 2023. Picture James Hardisty.Rebecca Gough and fiance James Towse are now both looking towards the future and hope to marry in a ceremony at Leeds Town Hall in summer 2023. Picture James Hardisty.
Rebecca Gough and fiance James Towse are now both looking towards the future and hope to marry in a ceremony at Leeds Town Hall in summer 2023. Picture James Hardisty.

Rebecca Gough, 33, from Outwood and fiance James Towse from Leeds, knew their wedding plans would be wrecked unless a donor was found.

Rebecca said she was told in March that the operation would not take place if a donor was found during the pandemic as she is classed as a high risk.

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In July, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said that the names of all patients on the organ transplant waiting list were being reactivated.

Rebecca Gough.Rebecca Gough.
Rebecca Gough.

Rebecca underwent a liver transplant operation at St James’s Hospital in Leeds on November 12 and is recovering well. Miss Gough and Mr Towse, 31, hope to marry in a ceremony at Leeds Town Hall in summer 2023. Miss Gough, of Outwood, was born suffering from liver cancer and underwent a liver transplant aged just two in December 1989.

The operation was a success and Miss Gough, who worked at Pinderfields Hospital, led a normal life until she fell ill in 2018.

Tests revealed the transplanted liver was failing and she spent six months in hospital in 2019 before going back on the transplant waiting list.

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Miss Gough said: “It’s been really difficult mentally and physically.

“To finally get my transplant near the end of 2020 I got my Christmas miracle. I got a new lease on life. As long as I keep believing in my dreams anything is possible.”

Miss Gough said she has been busy making items for the wedding, including a cake stand and invitations.

The couple launched a JustGiving crowdfunding page for the liver transplant team at St James’ Hospital and ward J38 on the hospital’s liver unit.