Now, she’s sitting by the phone, hoping her boy might receive that very gift of life from someone else.

After years of hospital visits, Nikki’s son, Archer Irwin, 6, has been placed on the “active” liver transplant list, having run out of options. 

Archer became the face of the 2017 DonateLife campaign, having been diagnosed with alpha one antitrypsin deficiency when he was just three months old.

Ms Irwin said in the past month Archer’s health had deteriorated rapidly and he desperately needs a liver. 

She called for everyone register as an organ donor and ensure relatives and next of kin are aware of their choice – for the sake of Archer and those like him. 

“I beg and plead that you make your decision on becoming an organ donor. We need every possible chance for our boy to live and the many others waiting,” she said. Ms Irwin also encouraged people to donate plasma and blood, saying during a transplant Archer might need up to 30 times his own body’s blood. 

Since a life-threatening bleed he was airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital in April, Archer and Ms Irwin have stayed in Melbourne for follow-up appointments and in case of another bleed, while Archer’s dad and sister remain in Albury. 

A family member set up a gofundme page, Archer Transplant Fundraising, to help with accommodation, commuting and medical costs, with more fundraising to be held including a June 18 Zumba event.

Ms Irwin was reluctant to accept help, but said the speediness of Archer’s decline created financial strain.

To follow Archer’s progress please head to Archer’s Alpha Angels.