INSPIRATIONAL Ipswich rugby league fan Max Bishop needed a liver transport to survive, turning his world upside down.

Max was just 10 when he was diagnosed in 2016 with a rare liver complication known as vanishing bile duct syndrome.

Eight years later after a successful liver transplant, the popular teenager is sharing a positive message about the value of donating organs.

The aspiring teacher nicknamed “Mighty Max” last week rallied the local community to wear specially designed jerseys highlighting the issue.

While he still can’t play any contact sport, the former Brothers junior rugby league player can now enjoy other activities after getting on with his life.

Part of Max’s focus since 2019 has been sharing in Jersey Day, highlighting the important organ donation subject.

He first became involved with the Ipswich Jets, where his dad Mark is a respected coach, before talking to students in recent years.

Max Bishop (middle) joins with Bremer State High executive principal Ross Bailey and deputy principal Mark Biggs in raising awareness about organ donations.

On Monday, Max returned to his former school, Bremer State High, to continue sharing his story.

“It’s about wearing the jersey and start the conversation of organ and tissue donation and what it means, and your decision around what you want to do with your organs when you pass,” Max said.

“Every year, it gets that little bit more of a cut-through, which is good, and hopefully it just keeps growing over the years as well.”

More than seven million people are registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register.

Despite four in five Australians supporting donation, only 36% of the eligible population are registered.

Max wants to help improve that ratio, as a human face sharing the options and benefits of providing life-changing organs.

Photo: DAVID LEMS

Being unable to play his beloved rugby league after his transplant, Max focused on being a ball boy for the Jets before doing some junior coaching.

“I play cricket now, play a bit of golf,” he said, excited about his future.

The Raceview-based teenager hopes to continue sharing his message while studying Secondary Education PE and Maths at the University of Queensland.

Max said tremendous support from his Ipswich parents Mark and Caroline helped him deal with any fears and to carry on an enjoyable life.

“Even the extended family has always supported me so it’s good,” Max said.

Jersey Day was inspired by the gift of life that Nathan Gremmo gave to five young adults and a baby when he became an organ donor after a car accident in 2015.

“One organ donor can save the lives of up to seven people and help many more,” Mr Gremmo said.

Visit donatelife.gov.au for information how to register as an organ donor.