Staff and governors from Dorset County Hospital (DCH) are encouraging people to talk to their families about organ donation after experiencing first-hand the difference it can make.
Nationally, someone dies every day in the need of an organ, and there are over 8,000 people currently on the active transplant waiting list.
Service Manager Jon Fox received a liver transplant as a child and Human Resources Manager Kelly Upton’s son received a liver transplant at the age of seven. Governors Kathryn Harrison and Lynn Taylor both donated one of their kidneys to save lives.
They are sharing their experiences as part of national Organ Donation Week (21- 27 September) and are asking families to talk to each other about their wishes.
Kelly’s son, Louis, has a rare genetic condition and received a transplant in 2021. She said:
“Organ donation has had a life changing impact on Louis, improving his health, enhancing his quality of life, and providing him with opportunities that may not have been possible otherwise.
“Seeing first-hand the difference a transplant can make has made me incredibly passionate about raising awareness of organ donation and encouraging people to have conversations about it with their loved ones.
“Every year, we take time to remember and honour Louis’ donor. It brings a huge range of emotions, and we are immensely grateful that our family received such an extraordinary gift, while also recognising that another family experienced the devastating loss of a loved one. Their generosity has given Louis a chance to live his life to the fullest, and that is something we never take for granted.
“Although it can be difficult to think about, talking about organ donation is so important. It has the power to transform and save lives, and I feel strongly that the more people understand the impact donation can have, the more lives can be changed.”
Jon received a life-saving transplant in 1997 and is passionate about encouraging families to talk about organ donation. He said:
“Just one donor can possibly save nine lives – which is incredible. It’s not a conversation that anybody wants to have, but it’s important to talk with your loved ones so they know your wishes. Without telling loved ones, they may never understand your views around donation and, at the point where the most difficult decision has to be made, your family could stop this – even though it is something that you are passionate about.
“I’ll never be able to thank my donor family enough and I’m incredibly grateful for that gift. It’s made me who I am today, and I don’t take anything for granted.”
Lynn donated one of her kidneys to a stranger in need. At the age of 75 and having been a blood donor for 50 years, Lynn wanted to do more. With her mind made up, she became a non-directed altruistic donor and helped transform someone’s life. Lynn said she “felt no different” with one kidney and was glad to have made her decision.
Lead Governor Kathryn was a live kidney donor for her husband Ian, who was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease when he was just 34. As the disease progressed, Kathryn underwent tests and was a match.
Kathryn said: “Every day I see the difference a donated organ makes to someone’s life and, by extension, to the lives of those around them. If you would be willing to donate your organs when you no longer need them, please have that conversation with your family now.”
Find out more about organ donation and register your decision at: www.organdonation.nhs.uk
