Hampshire transplant recipient urges people to stay in register as organ donation scheme changes

Andrew Prismall from Southsea had a liver transplant back in 2014 due to haemochromatosis – a build up of iron levels that damages the body.

His life was saved by a 24-year-old man that he describes as his ‘hero’.

Kim Burgess, from Waterlooville, is on the flip side of organ donation. Her 22-year-old son Jack was involved in a four-vehicle crash last year which left him with severe brain damage and he died in hospital the following day.

But thanks to the family sharing their organ donation wishes, they knew Jack, who was one of four children, wanted to donate his organs.

His heart went to a man in his 50s, his liver to a man in his 30s, his pancreas and one kidney to a man in his 30s, his other kidney to another man in his 30s, and his knee joint went to a cancer sufferer.

Kim said: ‘Knowing his organs have gone on to help other people live their lives means so much to us as a family and it brings me such comfort that something good has come from a tragedy.

‘We got a letter about the people who got his organs and the man who got his heart recently completed a 25 mile bike ride which is really incredible. I think it helped knowing that was what Jack wanted to happen should anything happen.

‘He was a loving and caring person and I got so many messages from people saying such lovely things about him and I am very proud.’

Max and Keira’s Law – the Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Act means all adults in England will be considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate (known as ‘opting out’) or are in one of the excluded groups.

Those excluded will be people under 18, those who lack the mental capacity to understand the new arrangements and take the necessary action; people who have lived in England for less than 12 months or who are not living here voluntarily and those who have nominated someone else to make the decision on their behalf.

At present as the UK is dealing with the impact of COVID-19 there are fewer donations and transplants are taking place. Organ donation will not go ahead if a potential donor tests positive for COVID-19.

For Andrew the law change has been a long time coming.

The 53-year-old grandfather-of-two said: ‘I had to wait eight months for my transplant which is not long at all but it was the worst.

‘On top of being ill, you feel anxious about when it will happen or if and you can’t go anywhere like on holiday or even more than two hours away from your hospital. It also hits you that someone else has to lose a family member to help you.

‘It is a horrible limbo.’

Six years on and, apart from having to be on immunosuppressants, Andrew is carrying on with his life and has just recovered from Covid-19.

He said: ‘The man that saved my life is my hero and I know nothing about him apart from his age and gender.

‘Having more people on the list will bring hope to so many people and I also think it raises awareness of the need to have the conversation with your family and let them know your wishes.’

Anthony Clarkson, director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: ‘It is important that people know that even after the law changes, they will still have a choice whether or not to donate.

‘Families will still be consulted and people’s faith, beliefs and culture will continue to be respected.

‘We hope this law change will prompt all of us to consider whether or not we would want to donate our organs. I would encourage everyone to register and share your decision with your family and friends.

‘Whatever you decide please know that there is no deadline to making your donation decision, you can register your choice at any time.’

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