The UK’s longest surviving heart transplant patient has died at the age of 80 as tributes for the ‘inspirational’ man pour in.
Steve Syer, who died after a short illness, was one of the first people in the UK to receive the transplant back in 1984 from a young motorbike accident victim.
Mr Syer, who lived in Hucclecote, Gloucestershire, with his wife Chris, devoted his life to promoting the benefits of organ donation after receiving his transplant 38 years ago.
He received his new heart from a young man who had died in a motor accident – and the surgery was performed by surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub and his team at Harefield Hospital in Middlesex.
Steve Syer (pictured with his wife Chris, 77), who died after a short illness, was one of the first people in the UK to receive the transplant back in 1984 from a young motorbike accident victim
Mr Syer, who lived in Hucclecote, Gloucestershire, with his wife Chris, devoted his life to promoting the benefits of organ donation after receiving his transplant 38 years ago
Mr and Mrs Syer also became committed to fundraising for the British Heart Foundation six months after his transplant.
Over the years, the couple helped to raise millions of pounds for the charity in Gloucestershire.
Mrs Syer, 77, said: ‘After Steve had the heart transplant he devoted his life to promoting organ donation.
‘He said that young man gave me his heart and he must look after it for the rest of his life – he did just that.
‘I remember the first night he came home from Harefield. He rolled over in bed and told me: ”Chris, I can feel my heart beating”.
After Mr Syer had been on dialysis in 2016, Chris gave him one of her kidneys at Southmead Hospital, in Bristol.
He received his new heart from a young man who had died in a motor accident – and the surgery was performed by surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub and his team at Harefield Hospital in Middlesex
Daughter Clare Lott said: ‘My Dad was a selfless man who was given another 38 years to live through his heart transplant.’
Ian Mean, chair of Gloucestershire’s Organ Donation Committee of which Steve and Chris were key members for many years, said: ‘Steve was an amazing ambassador for organ donation and he and Chris were a great double act.
‘Their energy to tell the story of organ donation – especially to young people in schools is legendary. We owe them a great debt.’
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant said Steve was ‘such an inspiration to so many and fought tirelessly to raise awareness of organ donation.
Mr and Mrs Syer also became committed to fundraising for the British Heart Foundation six months after his transplant. Over the years, the couple helped to raise millions of pounds for the charity in Gloucestershire
‘Surviving for over 38 years following his heart transplant was a remarkable achievement and he was testament to the effect organ donation can have in truly transforming lives.
‘The work he and his wife Christine did for both the local Organ Donation Committee in Gloucestershire and for NHSBT will never be forgotten. Steve was a true gentleman and will be sadly missed.’
Mr Syer, leaves his daughter Clare, 53, and son, Tim, 55, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.