We bonded on dialysis.. and fell in love. Transplants have given us a chance to change our lives

Couple thrilled by Max’s Law organ donor victory

We will always be grateful for what our transplants have done for us STEVEN JARVIS WHO HAD LIFE-SAVING DOUBLE TRANSPLANT

A COUPLE who fell for each other while awaiting double transplants are delighted the organ donor system is being changed.

Michelle Commons, 37, and Steven Jarvis, 34, met a year ago while they were going through dialysis in hospital.

They faced an early death from kidney failure caused by type 1 diabetes.

The pair, who began dating in December, have had their lives transformed by kidney and pancreas transplants in May in an attempt to “cure” the diabetes.

Michelle said it is “massive” the Government is changing the system, meaning people will be presumed to consent to being a donor unless they opt out.

It will be called Max’s Law and is a victory for the Mirror’s Change the Law for Life campaign fronted by transplant boy Max Johnson, 10. Michelle, who works in recruitment, said: “It will save and change so many lives.”

She told how love grew with Steven as they received treatment: “We started as friends and found we had so much in common. We had our first date and just clicked. The transplants have brought us even closer.”

Former van driver Steven said: “We will always be grateful... for what our transplants have done for us.”

Michelle had two heart attacks and a heart bypass due to diabetes. The condition made Steven’s sight deteriorate and he is now registered blind. Michelle is partially sighted.

The couple, who had their transplants at Guy’s Hospital in South London, have now moved in together in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

Max’s Law should now be implemented in England by 2020. Wales already has an opt-out system and Scotland plans to follow suit.