Health

First UK baby born following womb transplant

Published

1 year ago

April 8, 2025

In a groundbreaking development, a woman in Britain has given birth following a womb transplant, marking a significant milestone in reproductive medicine.

Grace Davidson, 36, from southern England, who was born without a functioning womb, became the first woman in the UK to receive a womb transplant in early 2023.

Her sister, Amy, donated her womb as part of the Womb Transplant UK living donor programme.

Grace underwent the transplant at the Oxford Transplant Centre and subsequently received in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment at HCA UK’s Lister Fertility Clinic.

After close monitoring at the Churchill Hospital and Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London, Grace delivered a healthy baby girl via caesarean section in February 2025. Both mother and baby are doing well.

Grace and her partner, Angus, named their daughter Amy Isabel, in honour of her sister Amy and Miss Isabel Quiroga, who co-led the transplant operation.

The birth represents a remarkable achievement in reproductive medicine, with more than 100 womb transplants carried out globally and more than 50 healthy babies born from the procedure.

Dr Ippokratis Sarris, a consultant in reproductive medicine, hailed the birth as an extraordinary advance in science and care.

Though the procedure remained suitable for only a small number of women, it offered hope to those unable to conceive or carry their own children, such as those born without a viable womb or who lose their wombs due to cancer or other conditions.

Womb Transplant UK, the charity behind the living donor programme, continues to fund research and transplant operations, with plans to help more women in the future.

The charity is supported by public donations, which help cover the costs of the transplant surgeries and related research.

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Health

Football Legends to Light Up Nigeria in NICRAT’s World Soccer Legends Cancer Match

Published

4 weeks ago

September 2, 2026

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is set to witness a football spectacle as some of the world’s greatest football legends converge for the First World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer International Charity Football Match Nigeria 2026.

The star-studded event, backed by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), is designed to combine football entertainment with a major campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and mobilise resources for prevention and treatment.

The initiative, themed “Play for Prevention, Score for Life,” was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja with the official launch of the event logo, kits and a 60-day countdown to the international charity match.

The campaign is expected to feature former international football stars while bringing together cancer advocates, government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders in a united effort against the disease.

Speaking on behalf of NICRAT Director-General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Dr Margaret Sawyer said the institute was supporting the initiative because of its potential to take cancer-awareness messages to millions of Nigerians.

She said the campaign would go beyond fundraising by educating Nigerians on cancer prevention, early detection and the need to seek medical attention promptly.

According to her, football offers a unique platform for reaching diverse communities, while the influence of football legends could help deliver important health messages to a wider audience.

Earlier, National Coordinator of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Mr Jacob Onu, said the event was conceived to transcend the boundaries of sport and evolve into a national and international movement against cancer.

Onu said the participation of former football stars would amplify messages on cancer prevention, screening, treatment, research and support for patients and survivors.

He added that the event would also celebrate life, honour those who had lost their lives to cancer and inspire survivors and people currently battling the disease.

“Together, through football, compassion and collective action, we can win the War Against Cancer,” he said.

Onu called on Nigerians across the 774 local government areas to become ambassadors of the campaign by promoting healthy lifestyles, regular medical checks and early medical intervention.

He also appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, international organisations, football stakeholders, media organisations and development partners to support the initiative.

The MOC coordinator commended NICRAT, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for their support.

He assured that the organising committee would deliver an event capable of meeting international standards while creating a lasting legacy in cancer awareness, advocacy, humanitarian support and sports development.

In his goodwill message, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, expressed concern over the rising global cancer burden and called for sustained action beyond the charity match.

Gumel urged the organisers to extend the campaign beyond Abuja to communities across the 36 states, while calling on governments at all levels to strengthen cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

The NOC president pledged his support for the initiative and encouraged Nigerians to make regular cancer screening and periodic health checks a priority.

Also speaking, Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, Dr Usman Mohammed Waziri, reaffirmed the institute’s determination to ensure that the initiative produces a positive and lasting impact on Nigeria’s cancer-control efforts.

With the 60-day countdown officially underway, organisers said the World Soccer Legends Cancer Match would combine the excitement of football with humanitarian action, using the power and influence of football legends to drive a nationwide campaign against cancer.

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