IN several moving reports this year, we have highlighted one side of the organ donation story: the giver's tale.
We told how York woman Louise Johnson's decision to be a donor transformed the lives of 25 people after she died of a brain haemorrhage. Louise's gift also brought great comfort to her bereaved family.
Today we report the other side of the story. And it brings home why organ donation matters.
York mum Dyan Taylor was on the transplant waiting list for 15 long years.
She had the same liver condition which killed her mother, and which was expected to claim her life within months.
Once before a donor had become available. Only hours before the operation, doctors confirmed it was not a match. Dyan's knows the agony of hopes dashed.
Two weeks ago a call came from the hospital: another liver had become available. This time it was a match, and the transplant operation a success.
After so many years of suffering and waiting, Dyan has literally received a new lease of life.
More than 40 people are still waiting for organ transplants in the York area.
This week the BBC is highlighting the problem in its DoNation campaign.
The message is simple: the more of us who sign up to be donors, the more good news stories like Dyan Taylor's we will be able to report.
Updated: 10:26 Wednesday, August 24, 2005
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