An appeal has been launched to find a donor for a potentially lifesaving transplant for a six-week-old girl.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has shared an appeal to help find a liver donor for six-week-old Mary from Hartlepool.

He has shared the appeal in the hope a donor can be found for Mary who is currently top of the UK donor register.

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He said Mary's family have asked if anyone would be a living donor to help "save Mary," with time running "desperately short."

Mr Houchen said: "Could you, or anyone you know, save Mary’s life.

"Mary is six weeks old and is currently top of the UK donor register.

"Time is desperately short and she needs a liver transplant.

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"Her family, from Hartlepool, are asking if anyone would be a living donor to help save Mary.

"Please spread the word. If anyone out there, who meet the above criteria, could come forward to be a donor for Mary. you could save Mary’s life."

He added the most suitable donor candidate would be someone small who weighed around 50kg.

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He also said this person would need to have no medical or serious health condition, and have a blood type O, A, B, or AB.

The person would have to be able to commit a significant amount of time for the operation, likely between five to seven days at St James Hospital in Leeds.

This type of operation would require two-to-three months off work and no driving or lifting for a significant amount of time.