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September marked the 24-year anniversary of my working at the SoR and, by coincidence, it is also how long I was with my husband, Samuel Batista-Cabrera. The reason I am sharing this is that the NHS Organ Donor Register marked its 30-year anniversary last month and I would like to explain how vital their work has been to me and continues to be for others.

In August of last year, without any warning, Samuel suffered a massive cardiac arrest in his sleep and was placed into an induced coma for six days. Very sadly, he never regained consciousness and I had to make the heart-breaking decision to have his life support withdrawn so that he could pass away with dignity at the age of 50. 

Both myself and Samuel were on the Organ Donor Register and the NHS was aware of this when Samuel was placed into their care. The care and respect shown towards myself and Samuel by the NHS was outstanding as the organ team fully explained to me the intricate and complex nature of organ donation and how sometimes it can be successful but sometimes unfortunately not. The personal circumstances and hospital surroundings have to be exact for the donation to be successful. As traumatic an experience as this was, I found the information and processes being explained to me fascinating (maybe not the right word!) – information I now educate my friends and family with. Having supported NHS workers in my role at the SoR for many years, it re-emphasised for me – as if I needed it – how hard our NHS staff work for all of us, whatever their clinical role. I am truly proud to say that I work on behalf of the NHS at the SoR.

Sam was fortunately able to donate some of his organs – a gentleman who had been on the waiting list for five years received Sam’s pancreas and kidney and another gentleman who had been waiting for two years received Samuel’s other kidney. Tendons were also taken from his legs to help aid those with severe mobility issues. As a keen runner, this is something Samuel would have been very proud to achieve for someone and made me feel extremely proud of his selflessness.

In March of this year, Sam was remembered in a special ceremony at the ICU of Basildon University Hospital, where he passed away, with his name added to their Tree of Life. This tree has been in existence since 2018 but only a handful of names are on it because of the mentioned complications of organ donation. In April, Samuel was also awarded the Order of St John. I hope that one day I will hear from the recipients of Samuel’s donations and how their lives have hopefully been changed for the better.

Please do take the time to read this link to see how you and your family and friends can help others to lead a full and healthy life. There can always be life after the very sad experience of death.