Double hand transplant recipient pens letter thanking surgeon

A UK man who received a double hand transplant after losing both of his own has written a letter thanking the surgeon responsible for transforming his life.

Doncaster resident Chris King, 57, received his new hands during a surgery last July after losing his own – save his thumbs – in a work accident in 2013.

In an interview with The Telegraph UK, Mr King describes how the operation – conducted by plastic surgeon Professor Simon Kay in a UK-first at the Leeds General Infirmary – has enabled him to once more perform a range of everyday tasks.

"It's been going fantastically," Mr King said.

"I can make a fist, I can hold a pen, I can do more or less the same functions as I could with my original hands.

"There are still limitations but I'm getting back to the full Chris again.”

Mr King said he is hopeful of one day being able to tie his laces.

He has also thanked the donor responsible for their “wonderful gift”, encouraging members of the public to consider themselves registering for donation.

"Become a donor and live your life to the full like I want to live now," Mr King said.

"That's the message I'd like to get over.”

Readers interested in joining the Australian Organ Donor Register can do so here.

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