Public Contributor Spotlight: Sue's Story
I began to understand the need for research into organ and tissue donation in order to advance the benefits of donation and improve the outcome for recipients
Hi, my name is Sue and I am a Public Contributor for UKODTRN. I became involved in the world of organ and tissue donation in 2003. My 16-year-old son Martin suffered a sudden and catastrophic brain haemorrhage, which was not survivable. He was otherwise a fit and healthy young person, with no ailments and on no medication. When we were approached about considering organ donation, we did not hesitate to consent, seeing it as a little bit of something positive to come from our tragedy. The thought that someone's life could be saved or enhanced gave us some comfort. Martin donated his heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and corneas.
In due course, my husband and I became involved in the Donor Family Network and have been Trustees for a number of years now. We have offered support to and had the honour of meeting so many amazing families whose loved ones gave the Gift of Life. Alongside supporting donor families, we promote organ and tissue donation, speaking at innumerable events and joining many stakeholder groups in relation to transplantation. As part of our role we attend the British Transplant Games each year, meeting the most inspiring athletes and gaining a real understanding of the impact of transplantation.
It was at the British Transplant Games that I first became aware of UKODTRN. When we first lost Martin, I knew nothing about research, but over time I began to understand the need for research into organ and tissue donation in order to advance the benefits of donation and improve the outcome for recipients. I believe that it is important to involve public contributors in research and I look forward to being actively involved and of assistance in future research questions by offering, in particular, the perspective of donor families.