Rugby player donates liver to save baby's life

Courtney Evans, a 25-year-old rugby player, has recently made headlines for her incredible act of kindness. She donated part of her liver to save the life of a baby she had never met. This remarkable decision came after a challenging ten-hour surgery, and now Courtney is looking forward to returning to the rugby field with her team, Wakefield Trinity, on March 23. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed, 'It’s a great feeling to know that you have been through a big thing and I have still got my life. ' The liver is unique because it can regenerate itself, which means that both Courtney and the baby can recover and lead healthy lives. Courtney works in CT radiology at the Mid Yorkshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, where she sees patients who need transplants. This exposure to the struggles of others has deeply influenced her. 'Working where I work we see patients who need a transplant and people who have had one, the difference in their lives is massive,' she shared. This experience, combined with her personal life, motivated her to take action. Her father, Gary, has diabetes, and Courtney has always been involved in caring for him. 'Taking somebody else's trauma and helping them, I want to do that,' she said, highlighting her desire to make a positive impact on others' lives. Courtney has been passionate about rugby since she was ten years old. She only discovered that living people could donate their livers in March 2024, and she immediately decided to help. In the UK, liver transplants have been performed since 1995, but there is a significant shortage of available organs. According to NHS Blood and Transplant, there were 1,130 liver donors in the UK between April 2023 and March 2024, but only 31 of these were living donors. This statistic underscores the importance of Courtney's selfless act. After her surgery at St James's Hospital in Leeds, Courtney described the process as 'quite smooth,' although she admitted to enjoying the more intense aspects of the experience. 'I quite like the gory stuff,' she said, noting that her rugby scars do not bother her. However, she did have to take a break from playing rugby, riding her horse, and walking her dogs during her recovery. Although she does not know the details of the baby who received her liver, she receives updates on the child's progress. Courtney's generous gesture has earned her a nomination for the Inspirational Individual of the Year award at the 2025 Yorkshire Choice Awards. 'I’m feeling overwhelmed and joyful and glad that I got the opportunity to do this,' she stated, reflecting on the impact of her decision. Courtney's story is a powerful reminder of how one person's actions can change the lives of others for the better.