EVERYBODY needs good neighbours, and while most draw the line at a cup of sugar, Tony Williams gave his neighbour part of his liver.
Tony, 34, of Orion Way, Grimsby has donated a portion of the organ to help Craig Peak, who has a rare condition known as autoimmune hepatitis.
Craig, also 34, was diagnosed with the condition, which causes inflammation of the liver and often leads to cirrhosis, about ten years ago.
He was told that later in life, most probably when aged in his 60s, he would require a liver transplant. However, in the past few months, he became very ill and doctors at St James University Hospital, in Leeds, discovered his liver was in a far worse condition than first thought.
His neighbour and friend of five years, Tony, stepped up to the task of helping his friend.
Tony, who is the first living person at the Leeds hospital who is not a family member to donate a liver to somebody, said: "We never overly discussed what was wrong with Craig but we always asked after him and were friendly.
"Over the past few months we noticed he was getting worse, he was swelling up and looking really ill. We later found out he needed a liver."
Craig, who has a rare blood type, says he was told it would be difficult to find a matching donor.
He said: "When I was told that my liver was failing I didn't know what to say.
"Straight away they put me on the deceased donor waiting list. However, I have a very rare blood type which makes it very hard to find a suitable match.
"My chances of finding a deceased donor were very slim.
"I was told my best hope would be to find a living donor."
Tony and his partner, Joanne Evison, went to a regular blood donation session and discovered Tony would be a match for Craig.
Joanne said: "As soon as the results came through and Tony realised he would be a match for Craig, he went straight round.
"It's not a decision he took lightly, but he never hesitated and he knew he wanted to do it."
Tony donated 65 per cent of his liver to Craig, however, they say the donation has not changed how they act towards each other.
Craig said: "Tony knows how much we appreciate what he has done for me but there is only so many times you can say thank you!
"He has not made a big deal out of it, he just got on with it."
Tony added: "I just had to go the whole way, I couldn't not go through with it.
"I just wanted to help.
"It won't cause me any problems in the future but it's great to know I have helped Craig.
"We will both go back to work and carry on with our lives, after all, that's what we went through this for."
The friends now hope to encourage others to become a live liver donors.
Transplant co-ordinator at St James University Hospital, Julie Jeffrey, who oversaw Tony and Craig's operations says their story is a great example of kindness.
She said: "Sadly, there are not enough liver organs donated from deceased donors to meet the needs of all the patients in the UK listed for liver transplantation
"The benefit of a Liver Donor Liver Transplantation is the recipient receives a high-quality organ before the recipient's health severely deteriorates.
"It is an amazing gift that Tony has given to his friend and neighbour, it is a selfless act of kindness, for Craig the ultimate gift."
For more information on liver donation go to www.facebook.com/leedslivedonorlivertransplant or learn more about Tony's experience by reading his blog at www.facebook.com/tonysliveliverjourney
Friends help with liver transplant treatment costs Family and friends are doing everything they can to help and support Craig Peak, who has undergone a liver transplant. Craig's father-in-law, John Howden, organised a fundraising night of live music at Lucarly's, in Humberston. John said: "We all want to be there for him. Because of the operation, he now has to take a year off work and make weekly visits to Leeds for check-ups. "He only gets statutory sick pay, which isn't much, so we are hoping to raise as much as we can to help. "I wanted to do what I could, so I organised this event at Lucarlys and all the proceeds we have made will be going to help Craig. "Everything raised from the raffle is being donated to the Live Donor Liver Transplantation fund." Also supporting Craig are friends, Daniel Hamilton, Andy Teasel, Shaun Bratley, who completed a 20-mile sponsored walk, raising £294. And Charlotte Teasel raised £60 through a name card. Shaun said: "Craig is going to be off work for a year, so doing this will make a big difference to him." Andy added: "I have done various bits of fundraising in the past but it's great to be able to do it for a friend."Follow us on Facebook and Twitter