Story By: Feza Uzay, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency:  Newsflash

A couple are celebrating a special Valentine’s Day this year after the wife donated part of her own liver to her husband that then allowed him to have a life-saving liver transplant.

Mother of one Filiz Ozturk, 39, gave her husband Kuzey Ozturk, 52, the life-saving donation of part of her own liver after she discovered they were compatible when he was diagnosed with liver cancer.

The couple, who live in Balikesir’s Burhaniye district, in the Aegean region of south-western Turkey, were married 17 years ago and said they celebrated Valentine’s Day as a special occasion every year and as a reaffirmation of their vowels.

She said: “The promises we made at the wedding altar were not just words. A promise is a promise.

“My husband would have made the same sacrifice for me, and probably even done more if he could. He’s my partner for life, the father of my son.

“The marriage now was for better or worse, in sickness and in health, and we are always there for each other.

“Every year, we would celebrate Valentine’s Day on 14th February, at home or outdoors. This year it will be a special celebration, only at home, because of the operation, but this time, if anything, it will mean more than ever.”

Husband Kuzey added: “This year we had more reasons to celebrate Valentine’s Day than ever because my wife gave me the most beautiful, sacred gift.

“I was given new life because of such a precious gift.”

And he appealed for other people to consider becoming organ donors, saying: “There are patients who aren’t as lucky as I am. They don’t have donors and they’re waiting for donations. We don’t want organs to go to waste if they are available, we want them to give life. And I invite everyone to consider becoming an organ donor.”