Giving life and living on

Given the opportunity, I'll always promote the beautiful benefits of organ donation. I know not everyone feels the same, which is why so many people still haven't signed up to the Organ Donation Register. But to me, it's something I signed up to without question, for two reasons. First of all, knowing that my organs could help someone live after I've died is a wonderful thing. I don't need them, they do. So as one life ends, another continues. That's such a gift. And so is my second reason... knowing that my heart will still beat, my eyes will still see – even in someone else's body – gives me comfort, knowing that part (or parts) of me, literally, will live on.

That's why I let out a little cheer when this story appeared on the news last week Girls Organs Help A Record Eight People. Not being insensitive to the tragedy of poor Jemima's death at only 13, but appreciating that her parents realised how something positive could come from such an event. And that it was on the news so others could read about it and, I hope, be inspired to add their name to the list. 

According to recent statistics, 457 people died last year waiting for a transplant. And there are currently 6,414 people on the transplant waiting list, including 176 children. If more people signed up, then we can have more of these lovely stories where death brings life. Read more about organ donation here...