‘It is just a fantastic thing for people to do’, says sister of Longford donor

The focus of this year’s week-long event, which is organised by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA), is to remind individuals to talk to their families about their organ donation wishes before it is too late. It is also hoped the event will encourage people to start carrying either an organ donation card or permitting Code 115 to be included on their drivers licence.

There are currently in excess of 4,000 people living healthy lives in Ireland thanks to an organ donation, whilst there are still 550 people in Ireland awaiting a life-saving transplant. The Irish public have been urged to show their support to what is a life-changing cause, by someone who appreciates the work of the IKA more than most.

Grainne Wyse, a resident of Lanesborough in Co Longford, was living with her mother and 37-year-old brother, Ruairi, when her brother suffered an aneurysm in 2015.

Although Ruairi’s passing was an undoubted tragedy for the Wyse family, his memory still lives on thanks to the donation of his organs and his sister paid tribute to his character.

Grainne said, “He loved his concerts, festivals and heading away on holidays. He was a lovely lad and always had a smile on his face. He never fought or fell out with anybody as he had such a lovely personality.”

Prior to his untimely death, Ruairi had made his organ donation wishes clear to his family and this ultimately saved the lives of five people, which is now of great comfort to Ruairi’s family. They have urged others to follow Ruairí’s lead and make their organ donor wishes clear.

Grainne said, “When the hospital rang and said five people would be saved, my mother said it was like winning the lotto. To us, it was brilliant to know that he didn’t die in vain and his wishes of donating his organs were respected.

“It was just a fantastic feeling. We were so happy to help people and it really did help with the grief. People out there are alive because of his passing.”

Grainne conceded it is a very difficult decision for anyone to make.

“It is a hard decision and it is understandable if people say no. But, in four or five months, you will be happy you made the decision.

“It just makes you feel so good to be able to help someone. It is just a fantastic thing for people to do.”

Organ Donor Awareness week runs from March 30 to April 6, with IKA volunteers fundraising throughout the course of the week in shops all over the country by selling ‘forget me not flower’ emblems, brooches, pens and shopping trolley discs.

Visit www.ika.ie/card to learn how to become an organ donor.