Many Mothers’ Union members have personal stories about organ donations, including our MU Secretary, Sandra, whose son recently received a life-giving kidney. So we invited Dr Frankie Dowen, consultant nephrologist at the Freeman Hospital Transplant unit, and Ross Hutchinson, Tyne Tees Weather man (and a live kidney donor) to speak to Council about ‘The Gift of Life’
They presented interesting statistics, addressed FAQs including religious and legal issues around organ donation, and told heart-warming personal stories, including that of local children, Max and Keira. Max and Keira’s Law came into effect in 2020 and is encouraging many more ‘gifts of life’.
Max is now a healthy teenager, having received a life-giving heart aged nine, from Keira, also aged nine, who died in a tragic accident. Keira’s parents take comfort from knowing their daughter’s heart is alive in Max; Max and his new ‘adopted family’ are regularly in touch.
The message to MU was one of hope and the life that can be found through the most difficult of circumstances. Dr Frankie and Ross encourage everyone to have family conversations about organ donation.
MU is happy to present their message to any church groups interested.
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Dr Frankie Dowen and Ross Hutchinson (centre) together with MU President Margy Tasker-Brown (Left) and MU Secretary, Sandra (right) |
Dr Frankie and Ross speak to MU Council at Kingston Park. 22.03.2024 |