A GRIEVING fiancee is urging people to carry organ donor cards to help save people's lives.

Noel Thompson's partner, Sue Bishoprick, lost her fight for life, aged 36, on September 21. Her family has since drawn comfort from the knowledge that her organs have helped enrich the lives of five people across the country.

Mr Thompson, 47, of West Auckland, said: "In a case like this, where she was only 36 and there was nothing wrong with her organs, it has helped five people.

"Her lungs went to a 20-year-old lad, her heart went to a 53-year-old woman, her liver went to a 60-year-old woman and her kidneys to two women.

"I think it would even be a good idea for it to be compulsory to carry donor cards, like it is in Sweden. It makes sense, if other people can benefit then why not?"

The mother-of-two had been on a life support machine for a week after suffering a fit in her sleep and choking on her own vomit.

The couple had been together for two years and had just moved into their new home in West Auckland when tragedy struck.

Sue had worked in the catering industry most of her life and was a breakfast chef at The Manor House Hotel, in West Auckland, at the time of her death.

"She was well-liked by the staff and they were devastated when they heard what had happened," said Mr Thompson.

"She was a bubbly person, the life and soul of the party, and she had a lot to live for."

Sue's funeral took place at St Helen's Church, in St Helen Auckland, on September 29. At an inquest held at Bishop Auckland, Darlington and South West Durham Coroner Kenneth Howe recorded a verdict of accidental death.