A Grateful father has written to the parents of York hanging victim Kirk Edwards to tell how their tragedy has been his salvation.

The man, who received one of Kirk's kidneys after his death, says he feels well for the first time in years, and is back at work and able to support his wife and young daughter.

"I am writing this letter to thank you for the gift of life," he wrote.

"Every day I thank you in my head and thank your child. My wife thanks you - and my daughter will when she is old enough to understand."

Kirk, 17, of Lucas Avenue, Clifton, died last May after he was found hanging in his cell at Wetherby Young Offenders' Institution just a couple of days after being sentenced by a youth court at Selby for a number of offences. An inquest is still pending.

Following his death, Kirk's parents David and Irene allowed his organs to be offered for donation. The letter, sent on to them by hospital staff from a man whose identity has not been fully disclosed, says that their decision brought hope into his life again.

"Your life was torn apart by tragedy. In the midst of your grief, you agreed to donate the organs of your child," he wrote.

"I was dialysing four times a day and had been told that due to my blood group and tissue type, I was unlikely to obtain a transplant. Your tragedy was my salvation...

"Even at the time of the operation, I was conscious that my beginnings stemmed from someone else's end...

"Apparently, it was a perfect match - we couldn't be more alike unless we were identical twins." The man said he felt he knew how the Edwards felt, because he had lost his first son a couple of years ago and chosen to donate his organs.

"I did not realise that just a couple of years later, it would be me waiting upon someone's generosity."

The man added that he would like, if possible, to know more about the Edwards' son.

Mrs Edwards said the letter helped her as she continued to mourn the loss of Kirk; she was at least able to think that some good had come about as a result of his death.

"It's nice he has taken the trouble to write and thank us," he said.

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