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Transplantation

Keira’s family are determined that her organs should be donated – her sisters are adamant that it’s what she would have wanted. Max struggles with his deteriorating health.

When nine-year old Keira suffers catastrophic injuries in a car accident, her devastated family agree that she would have wanted to be an organ donor. Meanwhile in another part of the country Max has been hospitalised for almost a year with a virus that is causing his young heart to fail. When Max's parents receive the call they've been longing for, they know it comes at unimaginable cost to another family.

Dr Rachel Clarke follows the journey of the heart from Keira to Max with compassion and clarity in a book long-listed for the Baillie Gifford Prize. Exploring the history of the medical innovations in transplantation that led us here, she meets some of the physicians, nurses, scientists and surgeons whose knowledge and dedication make this remarkable procedure possible.

As the author delves into the wartime roots of transplantation, Max’s concerned parents watch his health deteriorate.

Written and read by Rachel Clarke
Abridged by Clara Glynn
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie

14 minutes

Last on

Thu 12 Sep 2024 00:30

Broadcasts

  • Wed 11 Sep 2024 11:45
  • Thu 12 Sep 2024 00:30