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Thursday, February 10, 2005
Organ Donor Saves 20 Lives
Okay, now that's impressive. If you're not already signed up, get your donor card. You can give while you're still alive, too. I'm scheduled to donate pint number 30 today.
Full text of the linked article after the jump in case the Sun's links rot after a time.
Girl gives new life to 20
By VIRGINIA WHEELER
A PRETTY 23-year-old girl killed in a car smash has given up to TWENTY people the chance of a new life.
Blonde graduate Clare Ekins was carrying an organ donor card when she died instantly in a head-on crash as she drove to work.
Because she was young, fit and healthy her tissues were ideal for transplants — and her parents gave the go-ahead.
Dad Graham, 54, a headmaster, told yesterday how he and teacher wife Evie, 53, had no hesitation.
He said: "We knew how strong her feelings were. Clare thought society should help others and wanted to do her bit. We’ve been told her tissue will be particularly compatible for young girls, which is wonderful. Her bone tissue can be stored for up to four years."
Caring Clare’s major organs — such as her heart and lungs — were distributed immediately. Tissues from other parts of her body will be kept for use in skin grafts for burns victims and for heart valve grafts.
Police are probing the crash near the personal assistant’s home in Chelmsford, Essex.
The National Blood Service said: "Clare’s gift is truly marvellous and generous."
- GET your donor card by calling the Organ Donor Line on 0845 6060400 or follow the links at www.uktransplant.org.uk.
Posted 02/10/2005 08:46 by Fritz