Parents of a girl, nine, whose heart saved a little boy’s life say they’re ‘super proud’ of her

An eleven-year-old boy and his mother were reunited with the parents of the girl who gave him her heart on This Morning today.   

Loanna and Joe Ball, from Barnstaple, Devon, appeared on the sofa to discuss how ‘super proud’ they were of nine-year-old Keira. Her heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas were used to save the lives of not only Max Johnson, 11, from Winsford, Cheshire, who was diagnosed with a severe heart condition in 2016, but a total of four lives.

‘We’ll always have that massive void in our lives but knowing she’s gone on to help four other people – we’re super proud,’ a teary Loanna explained to presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. ‘Us having a relationship with Max and his family brings that extra bit of comfort as you can see the change its made.’ 

And there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as viewers took to social media to praise the brave parents of both families for helping to implement ‘Max and Keira’s law’ – which will see consent to donating organs presumed unless a person has opted out from next year.

‘After being inspired by the story of Max and Keira I’ve decided to register as an organ donor,’ wrote one, while another added: ‘Such a brave decision to give her organs away and amazing that the law has now changed.’

Loanna and Joe Ball (above) appeared on This Morning to discuss how ‘super proud’ they are of nine-year-old Keira whose heart was donated to 11-year-old Max Johnson

Max, 11, revealed to presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that he calls his heart 'Meira' because 'it’s like Max and Keira mixed up'

Max, 11, revealed to presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that he calls his heart ‘Meira’ because ‘it’s like Max and Keira mixed up’

Viewers were inspired by the emotional segment. 'After being inspired by the story of Max and Keira I've decided to register as an organ donor,' one viewer wrote

Viewers were inspired by the emotional segment. ‘After being inspired by the story of Max and Keira I’ve decided to register as an organ donor,’ one viewer wrote

Speaking of the tragic car crash, Loanna explained: ‘I was taking Bradley and Keira to a new club that had just started on 30th July 2017 – and that was when our lives changed forever.’ 

In an emotional interview, the distraught parents revealed the reason they decided to donate their daughter’s organs was because she was ‘such a loving girl, kind and generous person’ and it’s ‘what she would’ve wanted.’ 

Discussing how he seeks comfort by listening to Keira’s heartbeat in Max’s chest, Joe added: ‘It’s quite a strange situation to be honest with you. It’s quite bizarre.’

And while the interview left several viewers at home emotional, many were inspired by the new organ donation law. 

Max and his mother Emma (pictured) spoke of the new law which comes into effect next year. It will see consent to donating organs presumed unless a person has opted out

Max and his mother Emma (pictured) spoke of the new law which comes into effect next year. It will see consent to donating organs presumed unless a person has opted out

‘Actual tears watching the segment on about the organ donation. This is 100% why I’m on the organ donor register. I hope that one day I can save lives too,’ penned one, while another added: ‘Such a brave decision to give her organ’s away and amazing that the law is now changed.’

A third who was touched by the segment commented: ‘Losing a child is a pain no parent should have to experience but to give your child’s organs to another child is the most special gift. Keira’s parents are two very, very special people. My heart goes out to them.’

Max, who had five friends lose their lives during his 206 day wait on the organ donation list, was in danger of imminent death and told he could lose his life at any time before he received his new heart.    

The interview left viewers at home teary-eyed. 'Actual tears watching the segment on about the organ donation this is 100% why I’m on the organ donor register, wrote one viewer. 'I hope that one day I can save lives too'

The interview left viewers at home teary-eyed. ‘Actual tears watching the segment on about the organ donation this is 100% why I’m on the organ donor register, wrote one viewer. ‘I hope that one day I can save lives too’

‘I call it Meira because it’s like Max and Keira mixed up,’ he said, speaking of the organ he received. 

Before the interview came to a close, Keira’s mother explained the memory bear that each of the guest’s was clutching.

‘These are made out of Keira’s clothes,’ she said. ‘We’ve set up our charity inspired by Keira for families who have lost a child in tragic circumstances and offer this service.’

‘They send us five items of clothing and we have a local lady who makes these memory bears with such love. They’re something you can hold rather than clothes folded up in a wardrobe.’ 

WHAT IS AN OPT-OUT ORGAN DONATION SYSTEM?

What is an opt-out organ donation system? 

Such a system presumes adults consent to donating their organs, unless they explicitly choose not to.

How is it different to the current system?

Max and Keira’s Law, as it is to be named, is the polar opposite of the current system in England. Currently, adults in England have to sign-up to a national register if they wish for their organs to be taken after their death.

Will people be able to defy the law?

Under the new opt-out system, family members are still given a final opportunity to not go ahead with the organ donation. It is believed the rule only applies to those who are deemed mentally capable of giving consent.

Will the whole of the UK move to the opt-out system?

Wales became the first country in the UK to adopt the system in 2015, which was deemed a ‘significant’ and ‘progressive’ change. Scotland is edging ever closer to passing the same opt out organ donation bill and Northern Ireland is expected to follow suit.

Why will an opt-out system help? 

Campaigners have long argued such a system would increase the number of organs available. Figures estimate that around 6,000 patients are on the waiting list for an organ. Such lists can be as long as five years.

And Twitter was inundated with messages of support for both families – with many praising the teddies as a lovely memory. 

‘Great segment,’ wrote one. ‘I messaged a friend to watch as they selflessly donated Tallulah’s organs when she sadly died at five-days-old. Was an amazing thing to do whilst her mum was so ill herself and in such grief.’

Another said: ‘Inspiring interview regarding organ donation and Max and Keria’s law,’ while a third penned: ‘Memory teddies. amazing and wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing.’ 

Twitter was inundated with messages of support for both families. 'Great segment,' wrote one. 'I messaged a friend to watch as they selflessly donated Tallulah’s organs when she sadly died at five-days-old,' commented another

Twitter was inundated with messages of support for both families. ‘Great segment,’ wrote one. ‘I messaged a friend to watch as they selflessly donated Tallulah’s organs when she sadly died at five-days-old,’ commented another

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