Last December, surgeons at the Austin Hospital separated and removed a quarter of Mrs Nish's liver.

It was then transported across town to the Royal Children's Hospital to be transplanted into her son Dylan, then aged 14 months.

After the 20-hour marathon operation, Mrs Nish made a quick recovery with her liver regenerating to its original size in a matter of weeks.

But for Dylan the battle was not over.

He has been at the RCH since he was eight weeks old, when diagnosed with biliary atresia - a condition that destroys the bile ducts and eventually causes liver failure.

Mrs Nish went through extensive tests, both physical and mental to make sure she was the right candidate for a live liver donation.

She even saw a psychiatrist who tried to talk her out of the procedure.

"As soon as surgeons told us I could be a donor, it was the easiest decision to make.

"I got strength from Dylan. He has been stuck in hospital most of his life. "

Three weeks after the operation, Dylan started to swell.

He was rushed back to the RCH for a six hour operation, where surgeons repaired a dislodged bile duct.

Another four weeks later, Dylan was back in hospital fighting for his life, after knocking his head in a fall at home.

It caused bleeding on the brain. Surgeons removed a quarter of his skull to relieve pressure.

Next month he will return to hospital to have the bone put back.

In the meantime he must wear a helmet, but the brave little boy still beams big smiles, and laughs with delight as he plays with older brother Brodie, 3.

"He's done remarkably well, when you think that in his 15 months of life he has had over 40 hours of surgery," Mrs Nish says.

"I want to do whatever I can to open people's eyes to how important organ donation is." Last year 198 Australians became organ donors, with 56 of those from Victoria. But close to 2000 Australians are waiting for organ transplants. Australia has one of the lowest donation rates in the world.

To become an organ or tissue donor, visit www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/orga n or call 1800777203.