Exclusive:'Hero' HMS Dragon sailor reunites with baby cousin in Portsmouth after saving his life through liver donation
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Finley Ratan was given just days to live, but Landing Hand Charlie Gill stepped in with a life-changing decision
A brave Royal Navy sailor deployed during the Iran war has been reunited with his special baby cousin - months after saving his life through a vital organ donation.
Tears rolled down the face of Leading Hand Charlie Gill as he embraced Finlay Ratan after stepping ashore in Portsmouth today (October 9, 2026). Large crowds had gathered for HMS Dragon’s homecoming, with the Type 45 destroyer returning after a seven-month deployment to the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.
The moment was extra special for Charlie, who was surprised to see Finlay’s beaming smile. He donated part of his liver to the baby boy, after the child was given just days to live. “I could see him from the flight deck with his hat on,” the 23-year-old told The News.
“I don’t know if it was the wind that was making the tears come out my eyes, but yeah, it was really emotional. We’re going to go home, chill out, and get back to normal life.”
Medical struggles
Finlay was born with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a condition that reduces the flow of oxygen to the brain. It also impacts blood flow and cognitive function. The little tot also suffered from jaundice.
His condition kept deteriorating, unable to put on weight and his liver couldn’t cling on to fat reserves due to its poor condition. When he was four-months-old, Finlay was rushed from Royal Preston Hospital to Leeds Children’s Hospital and placed in intensive care.
His mum Rebecca said: “Finlay was dying. He was just so poorly. The doctors didn’t think he would make it through such a massive operation. Charlie knew how serious his condition was and how devastated we were.”
Family members put themselves forward for a partial organ donation. Faced with the life-saving decision, Charlie jumped at the chance to help Finlay. He was deemed a suitable match, and underwent four weeks of testing in 48 hours. The procedure was successful and they have never looked back since.
Charlie’s mum Claire said: “Finley’s liver was failing and he was given days to live. Charlie didn’t have time to think it through. It was done so quickly, but it was such an amazing thing. Family means the world to him and we’re all so close. It was a selfless act.”
It took six months for Charlie to fully recover. Both him and Finlay have regular medical check-ups to make sure they’re healthy. Claire said the Royal Navy supported her son every step of the way.
She added: “All his superiors looked after him and said ‘don’t worry about the navy, we’ll have you back’. Charlie’s liver was in fantastic condition and a perfect match. It has given Finley a second chance at life.”
A heartfelt reunion
Claire said the pair reuniting was a surprise and a special moment. HMS Dragon left Portsmouth on March 10 after RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was hit by a kamikaze drone weeks earlier. Amid the bombing raids between Iran and US-Israeli coalition, Charlie was deployed alongside his comrades.
After several months of hard work in a hostile environment, he returned to British shores. The homecoming was a moment him and Finley will cherish forever. “I could see the emotion in everyone’s faces,” Claire added. “We’re so proud of them both. He’s been away for so long.
“They’ve got an extra special bond. They’re going to be connected for life. Every time he’s asked ‘what did Charlie give you’, he points to his chest with the biggest smile ever.”
Rebecca said: “Finlay has missed him so much. He’s chilled and calm with Charlie, but not anyone else.”
Finlay’s father Paul said he hopes Charlie doesn’t have to go away for that long ever again. He believes the pair of them are warriors in their own right.
“We never knew what he was going into, but he has to do what he signed up for and we’re really proud of him,” he added. “Him and Finlay have got a special bond. It’s nice they’re reunited again. They’ve both heroes in our eyes.”
The group will be celebrating with a family reunion. Rebecca urged everyone to sign up for the organ donation register, as it could save lives. “So many aren’t aware of live donation,” she added.
“We didn’t know it was a thing that someone could donate part of a live and still be alive. It’s very important and it heals families. If it wasn’t for Charlie, we would have lost Finley and he wouldn’t be here today.”