Parents' donor plea as son, 20, dies of liver failure

The couple, who live in Woodside Road, Worthing, say his death has highlighted the acute shortage of organs for transplant and have appealed for people to register as donors.

Jake was a former pupil of Worthing High School, a former 8th Worthing Sea Scout Group, drummer with local band Borrowed Time and a leading light in the internet station INX Radio.

He had already coped with liver failure and one transplant in characteristic style, with a fulfilling and lively life and was extremely popular.

"He was so positive about life that the majority of people didn't realise there was anything wrong with him. He played down his health problems and people were shocked by his death," said his father on Monday.

The first indication of problems came only two years ago, in 2004, when he began to suffer from jaundice, in bouts which came and went, until eventually it didn't go away.

"His doctor referred him to Worthing Hospital where he had excellent treatment, and we were jolly glad the hpspital was there and up and running. From there he was referred to King's College Hospital in London in February 2005.

"His condition was so serious he was virtually at the top of the national list for a kidney transplant and was lucky enough to get a suitable match and a successful transplant within a few weeks," said his father.

On his discharge Jake worked for Barclays Bank at the Norwich Union site at Grove Lodge and had a full and bright future to look forward to.

Unfortunately by September 2006, his body and started to reject the implant and he was admitted back into hospital.

For full story see West Sussex Gazette November 29