THE heartbroken partner of a woman who died after her canoe capsized in a river on New Year’s Day has urged people to sign up to The Press’s Lifesavers register.

Kate Stainsby, 41, died last Tuesday – two days after she became trapped underwater while on an expedition at Hobdale Beck, off the River Rawthey, near Sedbergh.

Her partner of 16 years, Paul Simpson, of Swinton, near Malton, said he and the couple’s three-year-old daughter, Hannah, had been left devastated by their loss – but felt comfort in knowing Kate’s death would help save the lives of others.

He has asked readers to consider backing The Press’s Lifesavers campaign, which aims to raise awareness of organ donation and to urge people to join the register after the news that Kate’s organs have gone on to help 20 people after her death.

Mr Simpson said: “If there is anything positive to come from this, it is the fact that Kate was able to donate her organs. It is something she was passionate about.

“The organ donation team were fantastic and took a lock of Kate’s hair and did handprints for us.

“They have already told me a 40-year-old man has already had her heart and she could help 20 different people. I am so grateful to Kate’s friends who were with her when she had the accident, and the people that rescued her, if they hadn’t tried to save her we wouldn’t have been able to donate her organs.

“I hope others take Kate’s inspiration and now do the same and register with the donor service online.”

Mr Simpson has since tried to explain to Hannah what has happened. He said: “I think she understands mummy is not coming home, but it is very hard.

“I told her mummy was broken and they could not fix her. We are creating a ‘life-book’ for her with photos and memories so that she can look at them when she is older.

“Kate’s love of life and adventure will be with us forever. Her constant smile and ‘can-do’ attitude mean we now have a fantastic three-year-old who is always making us laugh with her joyful attitude to life.”

Kate, a senior physiotherapist lecturer at York St John University, was on a trip with fellow members of York Canoe Club when she fell into the river. Her friends freed her and dragged her to the side of the beck where police, ambulance and mountain rescue teams pulled her from the water.

Kate was taken to Royal Preston Hospital by air ambulance, where she later died.

For more information on organ donation, or to sign up, phone 0300 1232323, visit organdonation.nhs.uk or text SAVE to 84118.

York Press: The Press - Comment

Only comfort lies in helping others

THERE is no easy way to tell a three-year-old girl her mummy is never coming home.

Paul Simpson told his daughter, Hannah, the only way he knew how that his partner, Hannah’s mum Kate Stainsby, was dead. “I told her mummy was broken and they could not fix her,” he said. “I think she understands… but it is very hard.”

Our thoughts are with the grief-stricken little girl and her father. Kate, 41, died two days after she became trapped underwater on a canoeing expedition at Hobdale Beck, near Sedbergh.

If there is any comfort at all for the loved ones she leaves behind, it is this: at least her death may given others a chance of life. Kate’s heart has already been donated to a 40-year-old man. Paul hopes other organs could be used to help as many as 20 people.

In life, Kate was passionate about organ donation, Paul said. So it helped to know that at least her death would help save others.

Speaking out in support of The Press’s Lifesavers campaign, which aims to get more people to sign up as organ donors, Paul said he hoped others would take Kate as an inspiration, and sign the register themselves.

We would urge the same. It will not cost you anything, but one day it just may make a huge difference to someone else’s life, or provide comfort to those you love best.

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