'Miracle woman' urges people to become organ donors after liver transplant gives her a 'second chance at life'

A Draperstown woman who received a liver transplant has spoken out about her tough battle and defying all odds in an effort to encourage more people to become organ donors. Inspirational Bronagh Murray has been dubbed a 'miracle woman' by baffled doctors who had given her just hours to live following the transplant last year. The mum-of-one says she hopes by speaking out it will encourage more people to sign the register and help to save more lives. "My donor gave me a second chance at life. He gave me a chance to see my son grow up," she told the County Derry Post. In 2014, Bronagh was put on the waiting list for a liver transplant however after falling ill on New Year's eve in 2015, she was admitted to Antrim Area Hospital and put into a medically induced coma. Bronagh remained in the coma until mid-February and when she came out of it, she woke up in King's College Hospital in London. On March 2, Bronagh and her family received the news they had long been waiting on - a liver had been found. However, their joy was short-lived as doctors soon discovered that the organ was not compatible. Less than a week after the devastating news, Bronagh and her family were dealt yet another blow. "My organs were all failing and the doctors told me there was nothing more they could do unless they got a liver within the next 24 hours," she said. Less than 24 hours later, on March 9, doctors informed Bronagh that they had found a donor. They delivered the news at 2am that morning and Bronagh called her devoted husband Brendan who had been staying at a flat close to the hospital. The couple, who have an 11 year-old son, Jude, spent a nerverecking few hours together before Bronagh was taken to theatre just after 7am that morning. After seven hours on the operating table, surgeons revealed that the operation had been a success. Less than a month later, on April 2, Bronagh was flown back to Belfast where she spent the next few weeks in the liver unit. Just as she was beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel, Bronagh and her family were hit by further bad luck. An infection set in and the south Derry woman was once again put into a medically induced coma. "I put into intensive care and the consultant told my husband that there was nothing more they could do for me. They said it was over," said Bronagh.

"Brendan said to them that there was bound to be something they could do but they told him no, there was nothing. They told him to bring our son to the hospital to say their goodbyes. "Family members had even started clearing out our home to prepare because they genuinely believed that this was the end." Bronagh's fighting spirit continued to shine through and she defied all odds, proving the doctors wrong. Sadly, her beloved father passed away while she was fighting for her life and she only became aware of his death when she came out of the coma on the day his funeral was taking place. "I was very, very sick after that," continued Bronagh. "All my muscle tissue wasted away and my hair fell out. At the end of June I was discharged from the Royal and transferred to Mid Ulster Hospital where I underwent a severe course of rehab." Eight months and three days after being admitted to hospital, Bronagh was finally allowed home. After months of intense rehabilitation, Bronagh is now able to walk short distances using crutches and recently got behind the wheel for the first time in over a year. She believes her strong faith and the support of her family helped to carry her through those dark days. "If it wasn't for the prayers and Padre Pio I wouldn't be here today. My husband Brendan, who was my main carer and who took 18 months off work, never ever complained even though it was hell for them. My son Jude also had to grow up very quickly in that time. I would have been lost without them." On Friday, Bronagh penned a letter to the family of her donor - a 63 year-old man. "My donor gave me a second chance at life and I would urge people to sign the register. It only takes two minutes but it can save a life. "The doctors are all amazed by my recovery. They gave me no hope but now they call me the miracle woman," she added.