Martin Malinowski from Co Monaghan has become the first person in Ireland to receive a combined heart and liver transplant, thanks to organ donation.
The 30- year old underwent the highly complex dual organ transplant surgery before Christmas at the Mater Hospital and is now making great strides with his recovery.
Martin, who is originally from Poland but has lived in Ireland for 13 years, was diagnosed in early 2019 with cirrhosis of the liver, due to Hepatitis C.
The cirrhosis subsequently caused significant strain to his heart and Martin went on to develop cardiomyopathy, which led to the chambers of his heart enlarging and being unable to pump blood efficiently around his body.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Martin said his recovery has been "fantastic" and he feels "very good" now.
But before his transplant, the Castleblayney man said he went from being healthy and fit, to sick, ill and tired, very quickly.
Martin highlighted how he never could have imagined that one day he would become the recipient of a new heart and liver.
"After a year and a half of difficulties with my health, in the summer of 2021 my condition took a serious turn for the worse," he continued.
"I had to be immediately admitted to hospital with a critically low heartbeat.
"I had to have an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) inserted to regulate my heart and I was quickly put on the transplant list by my medical team."
