For the first time in his life, three-year-old Ralf will experience the magic of Christmas – not because of Santa, but thanks to a far greater gift.

Born with a genetic condition, Ralf from Haslemere received a life-saving liver transplant this summer. His story featured in the award-winning national campaign Waiting to Live, which transformed children into dolls to urge parents to consider organ donation for themselves and their children.

While Ralf’s story has a happy ending, hundreds of children are still waiting for a gift no one but a donor can provide.

Daisy Linssen, Ralf’s mum, said: “The waiting was unbearable. Every day, we lived on edge, not knowing if the call would come. Watching Ralf grow weaker, unable to do anything but hope, was devastating. Shielding from family and friends during the holidays to keep him safe made it even harder.”

Now, Ralf is thriving in ways Daisy once only dreamed of.

“Liver disease is like being alive but not truly living,” she said. “Ralf is now living fully; he has a 'spark' for the first time, finally becoming the boy he was always meant to be. We even celebrate when his socks get holes from running and his wellies are covered in mud from jumping in puddles.”

Reflecting on Ralf’s donor, Daisy said, “We think of them every day. Knowing a part of someone else is forever within our child is an honour and a privilege.”

Currently, 280 children in the UK are still waiting for an organ transplant.

Anthony Clarkson, NHS Blood and Transplant’s Director, said: “For many children on the waiting list, their only hope is the parents of another child saying ‘yes’ to organ donation at a time of immense grief.

“We urge parents to think and talk about organ donation for themselves and their children today. Your decision could save lives.”