Belfast woman highlights life-saving organ transplants
The trainee nurse nearly died at the age of 17 after going into liver failure.
There was an emotional reunion last night for a Belfast woman and the mother of the boy who saved her life.
Cara Hearst is 26, but eight years ago in 2009 at the age of 17, she was just days away from death when her liver failed and she desperately needed a transplant.
In Scotland, Lily Turley was in mourning after her 13 year old son Daryl was knocked down by a motorbike but his family quickly decided his death would not be in vain.
His heart, kidneys, liver and his lower bowel were able to be donated to help people such as Cara Hearst, who developed acute liver failure at 17.
Now fully recovered and training to be a nurse, Ms Hearst has developed a strong bond with Daryl's mother Lily and they joined other donor families and recipients to mark recent progress at an event in Glasgow last night.
Cara said: I will be forever grateful for what the Turley family has done for me.
Without the transplant I had days to live, and because of the decision they made in their darkest hour, I now have a future.
I'm delighted to have been given the opportunity to recognise each and every donor that has changed the lives of so many as part of this event. It's an honour to stand with Lily and mark their incredible contribution.''
Ms Turley, from Hamilton, said: When we heard there was nothing that could be done to save our boy, within minutes we decided as a family to let organ donation go ahead.
Daryl's heart, his kidneys, his liver and his lower bowel were able to be donated to those in need. For me, knowing Daryl's death wasn't in vain has helped us deal with the pain of losing him.
I've never, ever had second thoughts or regretted our decision, and I think of Cara as our hero. She has her whole life ahead of her and that shows the power of organ donation. I feel immensely proud of Daryl, a feeling I'm sure many other donor families at the event will share.''
Lesley Logan, regional manager for Scotland at NHS Blood and Transplant said: This event is about recognising those who have helped save more lives in Scotland through organ donation and transplantation, and thank them for all they have done.
Organ donation touches lives in many ways. By looking at it from the perspective of donor families, transplant recipients and those whose job it is to ensure as many people benefit from transplant surgery, it's humbling to see the generosity, gratitude and dedication that exists.''