A TODDLER from Burley-in-Wharfedale has undergone a

potentially live-saving liver

transplant.

A suitable donor was found for one-year-old Katy Martin after an urgent appeal. She suffers from biliary

artresia - a rare illness that affects the liver.

The toddler underwent the operation at Kings College Hospital, in London.

She was being treated at St James' Hospital, in Leeds, before being transferred to London.

Katy and her parents, Nicola Lightowler and Wayne Martin, had been waiting for a liver donor match for three months.

The organ was found after a nation-wide appeal and is believed to be a 90 per cent match.

The toddler's family are keeping a vigil at her hospital bedside,

anxiously awaiting news of whether thetransplant has been a success.

Katy's parents had earlier said they had been prepared to donate part of their own livers in a bid to save their daughter's life.

A spokesperson for the hospital said: "We can confirm that Katy has had a liver transplant and is in a stable condition.

"A donor became available and that was the most suitable course for all concerned.

"There are a lot of tests that potential related donors have to undergo.

"We have to balance the risks to the people who are giving the segment of liver against the benefits to the patient. On this occasion it was felt that the benefits did not balance with the risks. In any event a donor was found."

Katy has already overcome an operation to lengthen her bowel and a battle with brain disease

meningitis.