'My daughter's donated organs saved six lives'

Abigail Harvey saved the lives of six people by donating her organs, her mother said

A mother said her daughter's donated organs helped save the lives of six people after she was killed in a collision.

Amanda Harvey honoured her daughter Abigail's wishes and donated her lungs, heart, liver, pancreas and one of her kidneys after she died aged 21.

Abigail, from Basildon, Essex, was killed while driving to her job as an office clerk after her Audi was hit by a lorry on the Dartford Crossing in Kent on 3 November 2017.

Her mother, who was speaking during Organ Donation Week, said: "We'd had a passing conversation about donation over the dinner table and Abi said she would donate."

Amanda added: "I am filled with awe at how hard the organ donation nurses work and the job they do.

"I am absolutely, 100% glad that we agreed with donation.

"If you can save somebody's life, why wouldn't you?"

Waiting lists

Over the past decade, 98 people from Essex have died or been removed from the transplant waiting list without getting a transplant, according to the NHS.

Anthony Clarkson, the director of organ donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "It's really concerning to see the numbers of people waiting for a transplant slowly rising.

"People are dying needlessly every day because of the shortage of organs for transplant.

"I would urge everyone in the East of England who supports organ donation to register their decision... it only takes two minutes."

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

Viorel Sandulache, 26, was convicted of causing Abigail's death by dangerous driving in 2019 and was sentenced to nine years in prison at Maidstone Crown Court.

Sandulache admitted "listening to" a TV series on his phone, but the judge said she was sure he was watching it.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Amanda said: "Our lives have been brutally and senselessly changed for ever."