Last year, baby Teddy Houlston, who lived for just 100 minutes, became the UK’s youngest ever organ donor. His story came to light this April, a year after his kidneys were donated to save an adult’s life in Leeds.
Before Teddy and his twin brother Noah were born, his parents Jess Evans and Mike Houlston were told that one of their babies was suffering from a fatal condition which prevented his skull and brain from developing. Devastatingly, the couple were told that he would be stillborn or die very shortly after being born.
With this news, the couple made the decision to allow their son’s organs to be donated in order to save the lives of others. Ordinarily, it’s rare for newborns to be considered as donors but just minutes after Teddy died the pioneering surgery was carried out at the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff.
24 hours after the public heard of the incredible story, 6,000 people had visited the Organ Donation website and 2,000 had signed up to the Register. Dr Paul Murphy from NHS Blood and Transplant called Teddy’s story ‘exceptional’ and said that he hopes that the ‘milestone moment’ will ignite a ‘revolution in public attitudes.’
Most of us would gratefully accept a donation if we ever needed one, but more people are required to sign up to the Organ Donor Register. In the UK, more than 10,000 people currently need a transplant and three people die every day waiting for one.
Joining the Register is an easy process and can be done by signing up online, by calling 0300 123 23 or by texting SAVE to 62323. There is also the opportunity to join when applying for a driving licence, a European Health Insurance card, a Boots Advantage card and when registering at a GP surgery. Regardless of age or health, anyone can become a donor although blood is tested to make sure the donor does not have a transmittable disease. Donors can also remove themselves from the Register by visiting the same website or by calling the same number.
Teddy’s heroic story is a perfect example of how a tragic situation can be turned into a positive one. The profound impact he has made on the public will be his lasting legacy.
Edited by Nicole Jones
Sources:
http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/
http://www.kidney.org.uk/organ-donation/donor/
Image source:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/975740/Organ-Donor-Card-The-Su…