FAMILY and friends of a man who is recovering from an emergency liver transplant have taken on a pier-to-pier challenge to raise cash for the unit which saved his life.

James Taylor Norman was given the transplant at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge on July 21 last year.

To celebrate the first anniversary of the life-saving operation, a group of his friends and family walked seven miles from Clacton to Walton pier to raise funds for the hospital’s liver transplant unit.

James, who lives in Frinton and grew up in Jaywick, was rushed to Colchester General Hospital after suffering a infection which caused both his liver and kidneys to fail.

Within a couple of days he was transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital intensive care unit to await a transplant.

His wife, Lucy, was on standby for several tense nights to return to the hospital to be by her husband’s side in the event of a crisis.

On July 20, 2017, a suitable liver became available and he was given the life-saving transplant from an unknown donor during surgery which lasted nine hours.

James’ grateful wife, Lucy, said: “If it wasn’t for the wonderful donor and the fantastic team at Addenbrooke’s, James wouldn’t be here today.”

Since the operation, James and Lucy have been supported by the unit while he makes a slow recovery.

Angela Gostling, another member of the family, said: “James has been planning to make a contribution to the unit on the anniversary of his operation and asked friends and family to raise funds and join him walking pier to pier on that date.

“James’s health has been slowly improving but fluctuations in his condition have meant that he was not able to start training for the walk himself.

“Nevertheless, his friends and family have undertaken it for him – this year.

“Next year, James plans a repeat of the walk and to join those friends and family who represented him on this first anniversary.”

James is hoping to raise £5,000 for the unit.

To donate to the charity effort, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lucy-norman.