Book features Cambridge heart transplant surgeon and nurse

The Story of a Heart, by Dr Rachel Clarke, focuses on the real-life story of two nine-year-olds, Max and Keira.

The book centres on the events that occurred on one summer's day when Keira suffered catastrophic injuries in a car accident.

Her heart continued to beat, and her family decided to donate it to Max, who was hospitalised with a virus that was causing his heart to fail.

This act of kindness led to the Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill, referred to as Max and Keira's Law, becoming law in England in May 2020.

The Story of a Heart, by Dr Rachel Clarke, focuses on the real-life story of two nine year-olds (Image: Submitted)

In the book, Dr Clarke interviews consultant transplant surgeon Mr Pradeep Kaul and transplant nurse Clair Ellis from Royal Papworth Hospital.

Mr Kaul said: “I remember Keira’s retrieval for Max very well.

"I told Rachel when she was interviewing Clair and me that although I’ve been doing this for a very long time, it hits particularly hard when we go to a paediatric retrieval.

"We got more emotionally drained, reflecting on life.”

Ms Ellis added: "Every day, people in the UK die because of a lack of available donor organs.

The book features interviews with a surgeon and nurse from Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Image: Submitted)

"Working in transplantation is bittersweet.

"To make someone better, someone has to die.

"But without donors, even more people will die waiting.

"It's really important that people talk about organ donation with their loved ones, so that if the worst were to happen to you, your rights and wishes can be respected.

"You could save up to nine lives."

The book, which also explores the history of medical innovations in organ transplantation, is available from Waterstones and other leading book retailers from September 2024.