Families whose loved ones saved the lives of others after donating their organs in death have gathered to remember them.

A memorial garden was unveiled at University Hospital North Durham on Thursday (February 16) afternoon to honour those who have donated organs at the hospital.

A wall mounted stone memorial and individual remembrance stones to some donors have been unveiled outside the hospital.

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Keith Parker who lost his donor wife, Nicola, aged 70-years-old suddenly in 2018, said: “Nicola had Parkinson’s for four years but had a seizure which took her from us very suddenly and unexpectedly. 

The Northern Echo: Keith Parker next to the plaque for his wife Nicola who lost her life in 2018.Keith Parker next to the plaque for his wife Nicola who lost her life in 2018. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“I can’t speak highly enough of the organ donor nurses who were incredibly kind.  But when they first came to see me to gently discuss the possibility of organ donation, it presented an enormous dilemma as it wasn’t something Nicola and I had ever discussed and I had no idea of her wishes. 

“When the nurses told me Nicola had registered as a donor through her driving licence, all uncertainty lifted and I had no hesitation in fulfilling her wishes and giving the go-ahead.  Both Nicola’s kidneys and one of her lungs went to people badly in need of them.

“I’ve had letters from all three, which made me very proud and brought me some comfort. 

The Northern Echo:

“Nicola was someone who always wanted to make things as easy as possible for others and donating organs to give others an easier life is a fitting way to mark her own.”

The memorial honours the 58 people who have donated an organ at the Durham hospital since 2010, saving more than 250 people.

It comes amid calls for more organ donors to come forward.

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Paul Forster-Jones chair of the Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust of the Trust’s Organ Donation Committee said: “The memorial honours the 58 people who have donated organs since it first became possible at this hospital in 2010 – each of whom is honoured with an individual stone, around half of which bear the details of the donor and a dedication from their family.

The Northern Echo:

“The remaining stones are anonymous.  The memorial also pays tribute to the families who found the courage to see through their loved ones’ wishes.

“These 58 donors have resulted in over 250 people receiving either life-saving or life transforming transplants.  A further 100 people have also benefited from transplants from donors at our other acute hospital, Darlington Memorial Hospital, meaning that almost 400 people have received a new chance at life as a result of the kindness of others in our community.

“Unfortunately, however, less than 2% of all deaths in hospital are suitable for organ donation. 

The Northern Echo:

“Although it’s no longer necessary to be registered in order to be a donor, families can still choose not to consent – often because of uncertainty about their loved one’s wishes.  So we strongly encourage people to have that difficult conversation with their family – making their wishes known. 

“Currently, more families refuse than give consent for organ donation.  Of course, this is an incredibly difficult decision which is why it’s important to remember and honour those who save others in this way.”

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