AN "inspirational" little boy who has spent years on a transplant waiting list has had a successful kidney operation on the third time of asking.

As previously reported by the Star, little Harry Shelford has been searching for a life-saving kidney transplant since he was just three years old after being born with a rare form of kidney disease in 2015.

Although Harry had been managing well with daily medication, the eight-year-old's health took a turn for the worse earlier this year and he was placed on an emergency transplant list as he was too ill for dialysis treatment.

The seriousness of Harry's condition meant that he was placed at the top of the list for kidney transplants, and despite being called to hospital twice, the donated organs were found not to be suitable enough for the Newton-le-Willows youngster.

However, this all changed on Sunday, September 22, when Harry's family were called to Manchester Children's Hospital in the early hours of the morning as doctors had finally found a suitable match.

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Harry had been on a transplant waiting list since 2019Harry had been on a transplant waiting list since 2019 (Image: Diane Parkinson) Although Harry's family did not want to get their hopes up after their previous disappointments, Harry's six-hour operation was a success, and so far, his body seems to be responding well to his new kidney.

Harry's nan, Diane Parkinson, who has been with the St Mary's pupil every step of the way, said: "We got the call from the doctors at 3.52 in the morning, and they said that this match was more likely than ever, so we got ready and travelled to Manchester straight away.

"I always thought that it would be the third time lucky, and the operation went ahead just a day before 'Organ Donation Week', so I just knew it was going to work.

"We have cried some tears because we know these three kidneys were three lives that have passed away, but these selfless donations have meant that Harry has a new life to look forward to with lots of memories to come."

Harry was twice told that potential organ donors were not suitableHarry was twice told that potential organ donors were not suitable (Image: Diane Parkinson) Although Diane admitted that it has been a "physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting" few years for her and her daughter Natalie, she described Harry as an "inspiration" for battling his condition without any complaints.

And as Harry continues to keep a smile on his face while he recovers at hospital, Diane thanked the "amazing" staff at Manchester Children's Hospital and Alder Hey who have cared for him over the years.

Diane, who will continue to raise awareness of kidney disease and organ donation, also thanked the local community after "hundreds and hundreds" of messages were sent to the family wishing Harry well in his journey.

Harry on the way to his six hour operationHarry on the way to his six hour operation (Image: Diane Parkinson) "Harry has been given another chance to have a better quality of life, and we are so grateful for everyone's support", Diane added.

"We will have to keep an eye on the transplant and there will be lots more hospital trips, but we will be forever grateful for the gift of life.

"Life is too precious so we will definitely be surprising Harry with something special once he is fully recovered."

Harry is still recovering at Manchester Children's Hospital after his operationHarry is still recovering at Manchester Children's Hospital after his operation (Image: Diane Parkinson) You can find out more information about chronic kidney disease here and NHS organ donation here.

Do you have a news story? I cover the whole of the St Helens borough and surrounding areas. Email conal.cunningham@newsquest.co.uk