One of NZ's first liver transplant babies is now 24 and terminally ill

An Auckland man who inspired the nation's largest fundraising campaign for an organ transplant 23 years ago has just days to live.

At just 4-months-old Steven "Stevie" Young united sports stars, celebrities and ordinary
New Zealanders to raise $250,000 for a liver transplant in Australia.

Now 24, and after three life-saving transplants, Stevie is terminally ill and spending his last precious moments surrounded by family and friends.

At his Drury home yesterday Stevie's family, including parents Zana Collins and Steven Young and his brothers and sisters wanted to thank everyone who contributed to their boy's first life-saving surgery 22 years ago.

At 4-months-old specialists told his parents he needed a transplant only available in Brisbane, and at the cost of $250,000.

Sports stars including the late Jonah Lomu and Sean Fitzpatrick, photographer Anne Geddes and singers such as Annie Crummer were all involved a nationwide campaign to raise the funds.

Stevie - one of New Zealand biggest Star Wars fans - was born with Biliary atresia, a rare disease that affects the bile ducts in the liver.

Stevie's third transplant, on Christmas Day 2015, was not as successful and five weeks ago specialists delivered the heartbreaking news that nothing else could be done.

"It was a complete shock to us, we thought we had at the very least five years," she said.

In the past few weeks Stevie has brought people together once again.

Family and friends have come from overseas, there have been harbour cruises, family dinners and an exclusive Star Wars movie night.

• This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.