Having a conversation about donating organs is one that many of us won’t have in our lifetimes.

But Emily Thomas will forever be grateful that someone did, as the 24-year-old from Buriton is convinced she would have died without getting a liver transplant.

“One person dies every day waiting for a transplant – there’s a big shortage,” said the inspirational Emily, who finished her degree just a fortnight before her two-year wait for a transplant ended.

“One of the reasons I’m having this chat today is to make people more aware of it, as unless you’re in that situation you really don’t think about it.

“I think it’s a conversation that people really should have with their families and loved ones, and letting them know what you want if something happens.”

Just under two years ago Emily and her family completed a 697 mile walk – a mile for every person then waiting for a liver transplant in the UK – to raise funds for PSC Support and awareness of the UK’s donor shortage.

Emily was still a TPS student when she was diagnosed with a rare, untreatable and progressive liver disease called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC).

Symptoms include severe and unpredictable like fatigue, itching nausea and abdominal pain, while it can lead to liver deterioration in the most severe cases.

Emily’s condition and two-year wait for a transplant meant she missed out on many teenage and university experiences, while her recovery has been far from smooth. She’s had infections and sepsis since getting her transplant, while there’s also been fatigue and numerous trips to A&E.

Emily Thomas Buriton operation
Emily Thomas waited two years for a liver transplant. (Emily Thomas)

Having a transplant has “made everything hard” and Emily admits she’s not quite where she wants to be, but she’s determined to lead a normal life eventually with ambitions to get a driver’s licence and full-time job.

Her big aim is to work in film or TV as she defied the odds and her condition to attain a BA Degree in Costume Design and Making. She finished just a fortnight before receiving long-awaited call and being rushed into surgery.

She said: “I definitely was disadvantaged though university because I missed a lot of lessons, but my lecturer was really helpful. I just really wanted to get it done before my transplant.

“I got the call two weeks after finishing my degree. I got the call on June 14, and then it was straight to surgery.

Emily added: “The first six months after the transplant we’re very tough as there were a lot of complications.

“But if I didn’t get one, I would have died eventually and I think most people feel like that after a transplant.

“I think, in general, it’s another chance, and if someone who isn’t on the donor register reads this and wants to sign up because of it, then that’s got to be worth doing.”

Learn more about Emily’s experiences through her @_emilys_journey_ on Instagram. For more details about organ donation and joining the register visit https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/