THE parents of an eight-month baby girl are waiting for a phone call that could save her life.

Michelle Greene and Gavin Ross, both aged 20, from Darlington, are praying that a liver donor can be found for daughter Tegan.

They have also been encouraged by the continuing good progress of seven-month-old Lennox Nicholson, of Guisborough, east Cleveland, who underwent a life-saving liver transplant in December.

Mr Ross and Ms Greene have become close friends with Lennox's parents, Amy Robinson and Simon Nicholson, after meeting during visits to the specialist St James's University Hospital, in Leeds.

They now regularly talk on the phone and visit each other to share their experiences.

"We thought we would never cope with it," said Ms Greene. "They are great parents. Without them, I don't think we would be able to go through this."

Mr Ross added: "They tell us things that we don't know. It has been really helpful."

The couple, who have separated but remain good friends, are hoping Lennox's mother will be Tegan's godmother.

Tegan was born on May 7 at Darlington Memorial Hospital and was allowed home the same day. She progressed well for six weeks, when she became badly jaundiced.

Still very small, she was re-admitted and diagnosed with biliary atresia, a condition caused by an inflammation that damages the bile ducts.

Following an unsuccessful operation to remove the ducts and increase the flow of bile, she was placed on the liver transplant list.

Although weighing only 14lb, Tegan has been allowed home, where she is fed through a drip tube.

Because of her age, she is a priority case for a transplant, but other babies in a more serious condition are likely to receive a liver before her.

Ms Greene said: "When we talk to other people, they don't think babies can get liver problems. Most people assume it is just because of alcohol.

"We are now waiting for a liver to become available and I would urge all people to consider carrying a donor card."

l There are 12.8 million people on the national organ donor register, and UK Transplant is hoping to reach 13 million soon. To register call 0845 606 0400.