Reality television star Sam Vanderpump has described 2025 as the 'toughest but best year' of his life, following his marriage to pregnant co-star Alice Yaxley while he battles a serious health condition.
A Year of Profound Contrasts
The 24-year-old from Made in Chelsea married model Alice Yaxley, also 24, in an intimate ceremony last month. The couple are expecting their first child, a baby boy, due to arrive on Valentine's Day. This joyous news comes amidst an immensely challenging period for Sam, who is currently on the waiting list for a liver transplant after being diagnosed with irreversible end-stage liver disease.
Taking to Instagram, Vanderpump shared a series of personal photographs from the year, including images from his wedding day and a sonogram of his unborn son. In a heartfelt caption, he wrote: 'This has been one of the toughest years of my life but also one of the best, and I wouldn’t change a thing.' He expressed deep gratitude for the support of family and friends, singling out his new wife with a special mention.
A Sudden and Severe Health Crisis
The couple's wedding followed a traumatic health scare that began in late 2024. Sam fell seriously ill with flu, which developed into life-threatening sepsis and led to both liver and kidney failure. He was subsequently diagnosed with his condition, which is linked to two rare disorders he was born with: congenital hepatic fibrosis of the liver and polycystic kidney disease.
These conditions remained dormant until December 2024, when his organs began to fail. In a candid interview on the We Need To Talk podcast, Sam recalled the terrifying moment he discovered the severity of his illness via an NHS app notification, shortly after learning Alice was pregnant. 'I got this notification... I open it up and it's literally a four line letter,' he said. 'It goes "Dear Sam, after reviewing your latest CT scan... we're sending you for a liver transplant assessment." I mean, that was... receiving that I think your heart stops.'
His immediate fear, given that his own father passed away seven years ago, was whether he would live to meet his child. 'To now start having that thing dawned on you. Am I going to see my child? That's terrifying,' he confessed.
Finding Joy Amidst Adversity
Despite the emotional strain, Sam and Alice pressed ahead with their wedding plans, organising the ceremony within just four weeks. In an interview with HELLO! Magazine, Sam admitted he was 'struggling emotionally in the weeks leading up to the wedding because of everything going on with my health,' but said the day itself left him 'so over the moon happy.'
The couple opted for a low-key celebration at The Lanesborough, forgoing traditional elements like a first dance. They plan to host a larger party in May 2027, after the birth of their son. Sam has credited his aunt, fellow TV personality Lisa Vanderpump, with providing crucial support throughout his illness.
With his life expectancy limited to four or five years without a transplant, Sam's story has cast a spotlight on the importance of organ donation. He continues to wait for a suitable donor, balancing hope with the reality of his diagnosis as he anticipates becoming a father.
The public can register as an NHS organ donor at: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-your-decision/
