Southport magician and dad-of-two David Burgess is undergoing a liver transplant tonight as he thanked the donor’s family for giving him a fresh start in life.
David thanked all the well-wishers for their support and love over the past few days of him being in hospital in Birmingham, with people donating over £10,000 to support him and his family while he goes through his ordeal.
As a self-employed performer, David’s sudden admission to hospital means he cannot work to support his family, so people are being invited to support a GoFundMe page set up for him here.
David was 20 when was diagnosed with Wilson’s Disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects 1 in 30,000 people. The disease is progressive and, if left untreated, it may cause liver (hepatic) disease, central nervous system dysfunction, and death.
On Sunday, 10th April he was admitted to hospital after developing Jaundice and Ascites, which doctors determined would lead to liver failure.
Speaking from his hospital bed this evening, where he was supported by his Mum and Dad, he said: “I just had some positive news. I just wanted to say thank you for all of your love.
“I got offered a liver last night, but they had to wait for it to come in and check it.
“The anaesthetist has just come in, he has been amazing, everyone has been amazing in here.
“He has said it is a good liver and we will be ready for surgery in one hour.
“So I will be having the operation and will have a lovely new liver.
“I am just so thankful for the person who has sadly passed away and their family who have made the decision to donate his or her organ.
“I am going to get another chance on this planet and it is all going to go swimmingly.
“They say it is going to take six to 10 hours for the operation.
“I just wanted to give you guys a big thank you and I know you are going to give me all the love in the world.
“I am so excited and I am grateful for what has happened to me in my life, even up to this point, because things are put there for reasons we can’t understand.
“I was chasing things like houses and money for the wrong reasons. It’s all irrelevant. It doesn’t matter.
“The only thing that you can sort out is love. So as long as you are kind to others and you are truly loving to someone, because at the end of the day you can’t take your fancy cars or your fancy house with you when you are not here.
“I am going to be doing some public speaking on this, incorporating some magic.
“What I would love is that you give all of your loving energy, put it into the liver, put it into the doctors, put it into this practice, so it goes swimmingly smooth, and then I will be out in a few days.”
Over £10,000 has now been raised to help David and his family. The page was set up by Charlotte Smith, with around 350 people already now donating thousands of pounds to his appeal.
Well-wishers have also been leaving positive messages of support on his GoFundMe page, both among people who know Dave well, and also others who have been inspired by his story.
Chris Blackburn wrote: “To a lovely fella. I loved seeing your passion for magic and talking through my early days of coaching. Stay strong and look after yourself mate.”
Nichola Howard wrote: “Sending all the love and strength you need and then some. You know how much you’ve brightened our Journey David. Can’t wait to see you well again our friend.”
Daniel Bolger wrote: “Hey Dave, So sorry to hear you are unwell. I hope you get home to your family soon. Take care. Keep being positive and we can’t wait to see more magic soon!”
Sean Glover wrote: “Don’t know you mate. But you’re obviously a top guy. Best of luck & love to you fella.”
Charlotte said: “Dave has two young children who are missing him dearly and now he and his family have the added worry of covering the household bills.
“Dave is a self employed magician and has won multiple awards for entertaining and helping the community.
“While our daughter was in hospital Dave attended alder hey and put on a show for the children on the ward, he really is a special person.
“We are hoping to ease the pressure on Dave and his family financially and enable Dave to await his transplant and recover without additional money worries.
“If you can spare even just a small amount to contribute towards this fund please do, it all helps.
“Thank you everyone in advance and please share.”
- Please donate via the page ‘Help To Support Our Friend David Burgess’ on GoFundMe here.
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