Sam Vanderpump Opens Up About Life-Threatening Diagnosis
Made in Chelsea star Sam Vanderpump, 28, has shared heartbreaking news about his health, revealing that he has been diagnosed with end-stage liver disease and may only have four to five years to live without a transplant.
During the October 27 episode of the popular reality series, Sam — who is Lisa Vanderpump’s nephew — spoke candidly about the devastating call he received from his doctors.
“We had a call from the doctors and I’ve got end-stage liver disease,” he said. “There is no hope of my liver getting better, and he said, ‘I wouldn’t be having this call with you if I thought you could make it through the next four or five years.’ They’re sending me for a liver transplant assessment.”
Despite the grim prognosis, Sam maintained a sense of optimism, telling his co-star Ollie Locke that he plans to focus on staying strong and healthy while waiting for a transplant.
“The way I look at it, I’m healthy now,” he said. “Hopefully I remain healthy all the way up until one day [when] they’ll give me a call, and I’ll go in for a surgery. And then I wake up and I’ll be healthier.”
Raising Awareness for Organ Donation
Following the episode’s airing, Vanderpump took to Instagram to share an important message about organ donation. He reposted a message from the NHS Organ Donor program, which highlighted that thousands of people are waiting for life-saving transplants due to a shortage of donors.
The NHS post added:
“Our thoughts are with Sam and his family as they face this news. We hope that his courage in speaking out will offer inspiration to others.”
By publicly sharing his journey, Sam has brought national attention to the urgency of organ donation registration in the U.K., encouraging followers to consider becoming donors and saving lives.
A History of Health Challenges
This isn’t the first time the reality star has battled a serious health crisis. In December 2024, Sam revealed that he had been hospitalized with sepsis — a life-threatening condition triggered by infection — after suffering a severe asthma attack and weeks of flu-like symptoms.
“Doctors told me my liver and kidney weren’t functioning properly and there was a chance I’d be put into intensive care,” Sam told The UK Sepsis Trust. “I broke down, but thankfully, we were there just in time.”
The Made in Chelsea star has also been open about living with a genetic liver condition and polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which heighten his risk of organ failure.
He recounted how close he came to tragedy:
“During the first 24 hours I wasn’t responding to treatment, but by hour 48, I started to turn a corner. By day three I asked the consultant if I was out of the woods. She looked at me and said, ‘No, you’re really not.’ That stuck with me.”
Thankfully, he recovered in time to spend Christmas with his family — an experience he now describes as “a blessing.”
Lisa Vanderpump’s Support and Family Bond
Sam’s aunt, Lisa Vanderpump, famed for Vanderpump Rules and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has been a strong source of support. The two share a close bond, with Lisa publicly celebrating milestones in her nephew’s life — including his March 2025 engagement to longtime partner Alice Yaxley.
In an Instagram post marking their engagement, Lisa commented:
“Perfect couple. Congratulations again darling … I love you.”
Looking Ahead with Hope
Although the diagnosis is serious, Sam Vanderpump is choosing to remain hopeful and proactive. He continues to raise awareness about liver disease, organ transplants, and sepsis recovery, using his platform to inspire others facing similar challenges.
“The way I look at it, I’m healthy now,” Sam reiterated. “Hopefully I’ll stay that way until the day comes when I get that life-saving call.”
Fans, friends, and family members — including Lisa Vanderpump — have flooded social media with messages of support, praising his bravery and openness.
Leave a Reply