Sir Roy Calne

Pioneering British surgeon, Professor Sir Roy Calne, who undertook the UK's first successful liver transplant operation, has sadly died at the age of 93. 

Sir Roy studied at Lancing College before undertaking medical training at Guy's Hospital. He went on to have an incredibly successful and impactful career as a surgeon. He became world-leading in the field, paving the way for others to follow.  

Professor Calne was the first to use drugs to help stop the rejection of donated organs, sparking major expansion in organ transplantation worldwide. He also introduced several of the immunosuppressive drugs used today to help curb rejection, which can be a fatal complication.  

Transplant pioneer  

In 1965, Professor Calne initiated a kidney transplant programme in Cambridge and, just three years later, he performed the first successful liver transplant in the UK. The patient, a 46-year-old woman with liver cancer, sadly died two months later of an infection.  

Behind his groundbreaking work lay an unwavering commitment to his patients. His son, Russell, says 'he used to have nightmares about patients that had died. It wasn't all roses for him; it was stressful, but he never showed that.'

In December 1986, he undertook the world's first liver, heart and lung transplant with fellow surgeon John Wallwork at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire.  

Honoured 

Throughout his lifetime, Sir Roy collected several accolades. In 1974, he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society and, in 1986, he was knighted. He also won a Pride of Britain Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2014. Sir Roy was known not only for his pioneering work, but also for his courageous and compassionate character. His son, Russell, fondly described him as 'an incredible person to have as a father,' adding, 'though a genius he never portrayed it to us; we were only ever shown love by him.' 

Dame Esther Rantzen, presenter of the BBC television series That's Life!, recounted how Sir Roy reached out to her to help save a two-year-old boy who had weeks to live unless he found a donor. 'He was not only a brilliantly skilled surgeon, but he had immense courage,' said Dame Esther.   

His son, Russell, said that Sir Roy loved sport and would occasionally fit in a game of squash around lengthy operations. He was a passionate skier, continuing to hit the slopes until the age of 75, and even enjoyed playing sports until he reached the age of 80.  

Mike More, chairman of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said Sir Roy inspired future generations of clinicians. 'He leaves behind a truly amazing legacy and many of our staff will remember him with fondness for his vision and genuine kindness' says Mike More.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Professor Calne's family, colleagues, collaborators and friends. 

Details of this obituary have been taken from the BBC website.