Ireland's first heart and liver transplant recipient thanks donor for 'second chance'

Martin Malinowski with his consultants Dr Emer Joyce, transplant cardiologist at the Mater Hospital, and Dr Zita Galvin, transplant hepatologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital. Picture: Julien Behal

The man who had Ireland’s first combined heart and liver transplant has thanked his donor for his “second chance” as he prepares to return to work after months of illness.

The operation to give Martin Malinowski, 30, a new heart and liver on the same day late last year took 12 hours between preparation and surgery, with 30 to 40 people in the theatre and up to 50 involved altogether.