LOOKBACK
Police Ford Granada first collected the liver from the aircraft at Stansted. From there, it was driven at high speed to Junction 7 of the M11 motorway, where the Met officers were waiting to take over. At precisely 11:54, the liver was transferred into a Rover SD1 3.5 patrol car, the Met’s iconic 80s traffic car of choice, well-suited for rapid transport. PC William McIntyre was at the wheel, accompanied by co-driver PC Graham Fordham. A second backup Rover SD1, driven by PC Les Crossland and co-driver PC Steve McCabe, followed closely behind. The relay had begun, and every second counted. The officers had to arrive at the Cromwell Hospital no later than 12:30, otherwise the organ would die.
As the convoy sped down the M11, the officers reached speeds of up to 120 mph, an unbelievable speed in 1987 and a testament to both the capabilities of
lights, and constant radio communication to coordinate the run. Every turn, lane change, and intersection required split- second decision-making to maintain speed while ensuring safety. At 12:25—just 34 minutes after departing the M11—the convoy arrived at the Cromwell Hospital, five minutes ahead of the critical deadline. The liver was immediately handed over to the surgical team, who successfully performed the transplant. Thanks to the police’s rapid response, Aliza Hillel’s life was saved.
The Liver Run became an iconic
example of the police’s role in medical emergencies. In recognition of their
yet controlled stops. The vehicles’ performance under pressure was critical in enabling the officers to complete their run in record time. In a strange turn of events, the same Rover SD1 from The Liver Run was involved in another police incident 23 years later in June 2010. Now a museum piece, the vehicle was transporting three on-duty officers to a community event at RAF Northolt, where it was set to be displayed. Upon hearing an urgent call for assistance from nearby colleagues, the officers decided to respond using the still-operational Rover. They assisted in detaining one burglary suspect while successfully apprehending two others in Ruislip.
The Liver Run stands
“The liver was immediately handed over to the surgical team, who successfully performed the transplant. Thanks to the police’s rapid response, Aliza Hillel’s life was saved.”
the Rover SD1 and the skill of the drivers. The journey was fraught with obstacles, as they had to navigate through London’s congested streets while ensuring minimal delays and averaging 60 miles per hour. The operation saw the coordinated deployment of over 50 officers along key points of the route to clear traffic, allowing the convoy to pass without interruption. This was made possible by the newly implemented Metropolitan Police Central Command Control Complex, which had only been operational for a number of weeks. From the M11, they merged onto the A12 Eastern Avenue and continued through the A11, racing past Leytonstone and into central London. The route took them through some of the busiest areas of the city, including The City, Embankment, Trafalgar Square, The Mall, and Hyde Park Corner. Despite encountering heavy traffic, the officers expertly manoeuvred their way through, utilising sirens, flashing
outstanding efforts, the officers involved received widespread praise from the public, medical professionals, and their colleagues in law enforcement. The mission was later featured in various documentaries and television specials, including Police Stop! and an episode of “Police Camera Action!” in 1996, where Aliza Hillel met the officers who had saved her life. A crucial element in the success of the Liver Run was the choice of vehicle. The Rover SD1 3.5, powered by a robust V8 engine, was a staple of UK police forces in the 1970s and 1980s. Known for its speed, durability, and adaptability, the SD1 was frequently used in fail-to-stop and emergency situations.
The Rovers used at the time of The Liver Run were specially modified to handle the intense conditions of police work. Their modified transmissions allowed for quick acceleration, while uprated brakes ensured rapid
as an example of the professionalism, skill, and dedication demonstrated every single day by Britain’s police drivers. It highlighted the essential role that the police can play in
emergency medical situations, paving the way for improved multi-agency working between police and medical teams. Today, the importance of rapid organ transportation is more widely recognised, with dedicated air ambulances and specialised medical transport teams available across the UK. While advancements in technology
and logistics have improved emergency medical transport, the Liver Run remains an extraordinary example of what can be achieved through teamwork, determination, and expert execution. It is a story that continues to inspire both police officers and the medical community, serving as a benchmark for life-saving emergency responses. In the history of British policing, the Liver Run is more than just a tale of high- speed driving—it is a story of heroism, quick thinking, and the unwavering commitment to saving lives. The full run is available to watch on YouTube.
33 | POLICE | FEBRUARY | 2025
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