Why young people need to talk about organ donation

Two years ago author Maria Farrer’s nephew lay critically ill in hospital waiting for heart transplant. Now in National Transplant Week, Maria recommends books exploring organ donation and urges everyone to register as a donor

Two years ago, the clock was ticking. Two years ago, a 16-year-old boy lay critically ill in hospital. His heart had stopped working and his circulation was being controlled outside his body by a machine resembling a Ferrari engine. In every other way, this boy was like most 16-year-olds – fun-loving, talented, adrenaline-fuelled, occasionally grumpy, unfailingly generous, popular with friends, loved by family.

Incredible technology was keeping him alive, but within seconds everything could tip way out of control – like WAY out of control. His only chance of survival was a heart transplant; his future dependent on the generosity of an organ donor. Every day was a mixture of hope, fear and the agony of waiting. I know because that boy was my nephew.

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