Organ donor gave veteran a 'reason to live'

Adrienne Fry's husband and daughter said an anonymous veteran reached out to them after she died and donated her organs

The family of a woman who gave an anonymous veteran a “reason to live” after donating her liver and kidney said a surprise letter gave them "solace."

Adrienne Fry, a retired headteacher from Bishops Cleeve, Gloucestershire, donated her organs after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Her family said they had “no idea” she was on the NHS organ donor register until after she died last August on her 78th birthday.

They are urging people to confirm their decision to donate to mark 30 years of the Organ Donor Register, ahead of an evensong event at Gloucester Cathedral.

“We were asked us whether the family were all in hospital," Mr Fry said.

"We were given the opportunity to consider whether we wanted to proceed with organ donation, not knowing that Adrienne had put her tick in the box that said I’ll be an organ donor when she renewed her driving licence in 2007.”

Mr Fry said it was a surprise, but the family proceeded with the donation knowing it "was what Adrienne wanted."

Adrienne Fry (pictured) used her pension lump sum to help build a school in Gambia

Six months after her death, the family received a letter from the recipient of Mrs Fry’s organs.

“The person served 23 years in the army, completed many tours, and was diagnosed with PTSD,” Ms Gaunt said.

The letter read: 'Your family have given me the reason to live due to the transplant. I have never been so lucky to be in such a good place.

'I know that the liver is not mine and I must treat it with respect. I will never be able to thank you enough for what you have done for me.'

"It was joyous to receive that letter and it has given our whole family solace," Mr Fry continued.

The letter was signed - ‘I am the luckiest veteran alive.’

The family said it has encouraged them to spread the message that people should confirm their decision to donate their organs on the Organ Donor Register.

“[It] makes it clear to your family that you want to be an organ donor, leaving them certain of your decision at what is a difficult and emotional time," said Ian Mean, Chair of Gloucestershire Organ and Tissue Donation Committee.

Adrienne's daughter is reading a prayer for her mum at an evensong event at Gloucester Cathedral, to mark Organ Donation Week.