Early Career Researchers

Keith Butterworth’s wife, Dorothy, received a liver transplant at St James’s Hospital over 20 years ago.

Keith worked as an electrical engineer for a global firm, working across Eastern Europe. His wife, Dorothy, ran a successful dress agency in Haywood. However, she experienced numerous health issues from a young age.

In 2002, Dorothy had a liver transplant in Leeds after being diagnosed with liver failure. The transplant was a success, and she lived for another 20 years.

“We had a good life and travelled to the Caribbean, Spain, and the Greek islands. We had a beautiful life together.” Keith says.

“At the time of the operation, she was told the chances of failure. They said they lose 3% on the operation table, and 50% within the first five years of a transplant. So, we thought, wow, it’s a big risk.”

Keith discussed with Dorothy what they would do if one of them ever died, and they agreed to leave a gift to the transplant unit.

Dorothy died in 2022 and left a gift to support pioneering research into liver failure, via a legacy with Leeds Hospitals Charity.

“When Shaili Patel’s liver research project came up, I thought; that’s fantastic to donate to – it opens a whole new world, in terms of liver transplants and success rates. Dorothy had a transplant and got over 20 more years of life, but the risk was high, and this research will help reduce that risk. It should help save more people. It’s a very needed thing.”

All photo credits: Ruby Lee
@ruby.angelaleephoto
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