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 to save his life.

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. Unfortunately, Ben's health continued to decline, and he passed away in 1985 at the age of four.

Legacy

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 support for organ donation programs. In memory of Ben, the Ben Hardwick Memorial Fund was established to support children with liver disease and their families.

Related Pages

• Biliary atresia
• Liver transplant
• Organ donation
• That's Life! (UK TV series)
• Esther Rantzen