A young Northern Ireland man is recovering after a triple organ transplant last week at St James's Hospital in Leeds, Suzanne Breen reports from Belfast.
Mr Haldene Butler (23) received a new liver, pancreas and small bowel during the 81/2 hour operation, which is believed to be a world first. Mr Butler, from Omagh, Co Tyrone, is suffering from multiple organ cancer and had been waiting for a suitable donor.
Mr Butler's parents, Walter and Lisa, and his fiancee, Ms Julie Feathers, were last night at his bedside in the intensive care unit. A hospital spokeswoman said Mr Butler was "coming on really well" and the surgeons were pleased with his progress.