The family of a 19-year-old Co Down man who suffered liver failure after binge drinking has been told he will not qualify for a liver transplant until he is six months alcohol-free.

Gareth Anderson is critically ill at the Ulster Hospital because his liver failed following a weekend spent binge drinking with friends.

Liver specialists say most patients who develop liver failure have been drinking heavily for more than a decade.

But according to the patient's father, Brian Anderson, Gareth had what he called 'a few heavy weekends' but did not seem to be partying more than other teenagers.

The rule is the UK is that potential recipients need to be six months alcohol-free to qualify for a liver transplant.

Mr Anderson says his son may not survive that long.

DUP Assembly member Jim Shannon has asked for the six-month rule to be waived.

So far there is no indication that an exception will be made.

