Viewers were left 'bawling' at new show Saving Lives in Leeds tonight as a single dad received a life-changing double hand transplant.
Jamie Mines lost all his limbs after an accident at work in which he was electrocuted. He's been waiting for a double hand transplant for two years, and finally got his surgery date at Leeds General Infirmary with specialist surgeon Professor Simon Kay.
The first episode of the BBC2 show depicted Jamie's story among others receiving surgery at the LGI. Jamie is a single dad to twins Savannah and Isabella, and was overjoyed when his operation went well and he was able to show them his new hands and tell them he'd be able to tickle them soon.
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Jamie's risky operation could take up to 14 hours, and meant some other operations had to be cancelled. The plastic surgery waiting list in Leeds is 555 people long - Leeds is the only place that specialises in hand transplants like Jamie's.
Viewers were impressed by the incredible feat surgeons undertook to replace Jamie's hands, and moved by his reunion with his daughters after the operation.
Kim Lewis tweeted: "Hands up who's bawling #savinglives."
@mpmeg added: "I agree with Jamie's mum - offering your deceased loved one's limbs to be used in a transplant takes a special sort of courage #savinglives. Oh I love Jamie's attitude. Hopefully the start of a great new stage in life for him and his adorable daughters #savinglives"
"This episode literally takes your breath away. Our house fell silent watching this in awe. #NHS #savinglives," said @TheMrsKeogh.
And Nickinackynoo tweeted: "Incredible tv - living all the emotions with the families. Our NHS is amazing #savinglives."
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