We're supporting Organ Donation Week
Posted on Thursday 16th September 2021
From Monday, Newport's Civic Centre will be lit up in pink each evening until 26 September to mark Organ Donation Week.
This year's theme is "have a chat - leave them certain" as the campaign encourages people to talk to their loved ones about their decisions in relation to organ donation.
One Newport resident bravely agreed to share her story to show how important it is to have that conversation.
When Angela Matthews died at the age of 20, she changed the lives of several people. She had signed up to be an organ donor, carried a Donor Card and made sure her family were aware of her wishes.
Mum Carol said: "Losing Angela was devastating for us as a family and for her friends. She was such a caring person and that was reflected in her wish that, if anything happened to her, she wanted to be an organ donor.
"Angela's choice was so important to her and, by telling us that was what she wanted, it was a comfort for us at such a sad and difficult time. It is important that people not only take the decision to donate their organs but that they tell their family and friends. Have the conversation now and don't leave them with any doubts in the future.
"We know that the donations made a difference to the lives of other people and might even have saved lives. That was Angela's legacy and we are so proud of her."
Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of Newport City Council, said: "I would like to thank Carol for sharing her moving story and I'm sure it will encourage others to make sure they talk to their families about organ donation and what they want to happen.
"In 2019, Newport hosted the inspirational British Transplant Games. It was fantastic to see the transplant patients of all ages take part in the challenges, the awesome staff who carry out this vital work and the courageous families of donors.
"Make a decision, register it, and then tell your family so they have no doubts about what you want to happen and will be more likely to support that decision. One day you could be giving the most precious of gifts to one or more people."
Find out more about organ donation here https://gov.wales/organ-donation-campaign