A woman who spent last Christmas Day alone in hospital recovering from a liver transplant will be dancing the night away this year.

Lauren MacDonald, 40, from Chiswick, returned to the Royal Free Hospital bearing gifts to thank staff who cared for her during her month-long stay last December.

“The staff were all so amazing and helped reassure me every step of the way. It was wonderful to see them again and to thank them in person for all they did for me," said Lauren.

“Last year I was really sick – I lost a lot of blood and spent a week in ICU. 

"So I’m really pleased to have made a recovery and this year I will be celebrating by spending Christmas in Ireland.

"One of the things I love to do is Irish dancing so I’m hoping to find a ceilidh and dance the night away.”

Lauren, was diagnosed with polycystic liver disease just a few months after she moved to London from Canada in 2013 saying "it was a bit of a shock".

She gradually felt the crippling effects of a rare genetic disorder which leads to the replacement of normal liver tissue with fluid-filled cysts.

Lauren was referred to the Royal Free Hospital in 2019 and placed on the transplant list.

Ham & High: Lauren MacDonald's liver was so enlarged it pressed up against her heart and kidneys, 'taking over my whole abdomen'Lauren MacDonald's liver was so enlarged it pressed up against her heart and kidneys, 'taking over my whole abdomen' (Image: Royal Free)

She said "lockdown was a relief" because she "couldn't move much anyway". 

"My liver was so enlarged it was pressing up against my heart and kidneys, taking over my whole abdomen which made me look like I was eight months pregnant. 

"I had so little energy I was suffering from muscle wastage. It was quite scary.”

During the 12-hour surgery she suffered significant blood loss and acute kidney injury requiring further surgery the next day.

Forced to spend Christmas on the ward she said there was a tree and "a really good atmosphere".

Nurses helped patients speak to their families via tablets and the porters who took her to her scans, dialysis and ultrasounds were "so friendly".

"Their good natured banter really helped keep my spirits up, especially when I wasn’t able to have anyone visiting due to the restrictions.”

Liver transplant coordinator Michael McHugh said: Despite all the challenges we face it shows how much people are really trying their best.

“Lauren’s story also demonstrates just how much a liver transplant has the power to change lives."