A CANCER patient is home for Christmas after receiving a liver transplant.

Newly wed Keith Murphy, 58, from Marina Village, Runcorn wants to thank the family of the donor, a man from Oxford, who saved his life.

He said: “I am still coming to terms that another human being has had to die to give me my second chance at life.

“His legacy is that my life carries on.

“I will write to his family once they have had a chance to grieve.”

Keith had surgery 10 days after his dream wedding to his partner of 20 years, hairdresser Andrew Senior, 58.

Instead of gifts, they raised £2,400 for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and £3,800 for research into liver diseases.

Keith asked nursing staff what resources they needed whilst he was recuperating.

Every penny raised will be spent on the ward where patients recover from transplants.

“They would like to buy new equipment such as DVD players with screens and iPads so that younger patients and those unable to pay the exorbitant £6 daily TV rentals have something to do,” he said.

Several big tables for patients to play games and socialise together will also be purchased.

Keith plans to continue raising funds and hopes to run marathons and organise charity auctions.

“My surgeon and all the staff have been absolutely magnificent.

“The skills, camaraderie, fun, professionalism and determination to go the extra mile was an example of team work we could all learn from.”

Keith has vowed to become an organ donation ambassador and says his 83-year-old mum, Mary has already signed up.

He wants to thank everyone for their kind wishes and generositiy.

“We’ve had lots of laughter and tears. It has been such an emotional rollercoaster.

“I could feel so much love and positive energy when I woke up from surgery.

“There is nothing else we want for Christmas.

“I can now plan for my 60th birthday. It will be something very special.”