Mother of organ donor son backs new education campaign

THE mother of a 13-year-old boy whose organs helped save lives after he was killed in a road accident has backed a new organ donation teaching pack.

Lily Turley’s son Daryl died in 2009, and his parents decided to donate his organs. Copies of the pack are now being distributed to every secondary school across Scotland after the success of its relaunch two years ago.

Ms Turley said: “It’s the most devastating thing that could ever happen to a mum but when you are gone, you are gone, don’t waste those organs when they could help others.

“I’ve never, ever, had second thoughts or regretted it. I’m delighted the pack has been so well received by schools and is helping educate our next generation.”

A recent independent evaluation of the pack showed that 98 per cent of teachers who have used the pack say it gets helps pupils interested, while 88 per cent of pupils recognised the importance of organ donation.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon visited the youngster’s old school, Holy Cross High School in Hamilton, today to see teachers in action using the education pack.

Ms Sturgeon added: “No-one wants to think about their own death but it is important that young people throughout Scotland learn about the realities of organ donation.

“From the age of 12, they can decide for themselves whether they want to donate their organs in the event of their death.

“By raising awareness of donation and transplantation, dispelling the myths behind the medical science and discussing the ethics, we can ensure they are able to make an informed choice.”