Mothers share organ donation experiences ahead of Organ Donation Week
UKPulse Health Desk
Two mothers have shared their experiences of child organ donation, one as a recipient's parent and the other as a donor's parent, ahead of Organ Donation Week.
- Evie, aged seven, received a donated heart when she was three years old.
- Fraser, who died in 2015 at age seven, donated his heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys to three children and an adult.
- According to the NHS, 408 people died last year while on the UK transplant waiting list.
Two mothers have spoken about their experiences with child organ donation ahead of Organ Donation Week. Chloe Green's daughter, Evie, received a new heart when she was three years old, after spending 16 months in hospital attached to a mechanical pump.
Anna-Louise Bates' seven-year-old son, Fraser, died in 2015 and his heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys were donated to three children and an adult. His heart was given to a young twin boy named Roman.
Both mothers are encouraging people to discuss organ donation with their loved ones and register their preferences. Anna-Louise Bates founded Believe Organ Donor Support to promote this discussion. The NHS states that 408 people died last year while on the UK transplant waiting list.
Why this matters: The experiences shared by these mothers highlight the impact of organ donation on families and underscore the importance of discussing and registering organ donation wishes.
What this means for you: Considering and discussing your organ donation wishes with your family, and registering your preference on the NHS Organ Donation Register, can ensure your loved ones know your decision.