Donating son's organs 'helped bring us comfort'

Angela and Tim Decker said a recipient of one of their late son's organs had written to them

A mother has said that knowing her son's donated organs have helped four people has helped her family grieve.

Angela and Tim Decker, from Rochester, Kent, honoured their son James' wishes and donated his organs after he died aged 27.

Ms Decker said they were "heartbroken", but added: "Knowing that while we were saying goodbye to him, others were receiving life-changing phone calls helped bring us comfort."

His kidneys were donated to two patients, his liver was split between an adult and a baby, and others benefitted from his donated eyes, skin, and bones, the Medway NHS Foundation Trust said.

James Decker had a cardiac arrest in June 2024 and died five days later at Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham.

His mother described him as "kind, creative and full of life", as well as the "favourite uncle to his six nieces and nephews".

She said she had received a letter from one of the recipients of her son's organ donations, which "meant the world to us," she added.

Katy Collins, Medway Maritime Hospital's specialist nurse for organ donation, said it was a "powerful reminder of the impact one person can have and the importance of making your wishes known".

James Decker had a cardiac arrest in June 2024 and died five days later

Ms Decker was speaking ahead of organ donation week, which begins on Monday. An NHS campaign is encouraging people to join the organ donor register.

"Please think about it. Talk to your loved ones. Register your wishes. You never know whose life you might save," Ms Decker said.

Medway Maritime Hospital's clock tower, Rochester Castle and the spire of Rochester Cathedral will be illuminated in pink at points during the week to mark the campaign.

The hospital said it facilitated 27 transplants that saved patients' lives between April 2024 and March this year.

A law in 2020 made all adults in England potential donors unless they opt out, although relatives are consulted and can block organ donations.