Organ donation: "We are proud because he did it himself"

As the NHS appeals for organ donors - saying there's an URGENT need, we've been speaking with the family of a man from Audenshaw who saved multiple lives ...

Andrew Pownell died from a brain haemorrhage when he was just 39-years-old back in 2011 and left his heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys to different recipients.

His dad Arthur told us it wasn't an easy decision to make at the time but the whole family (there's 30 of them) have since become advocates for organ donation:

"With being a big family, we all had to support it but because it was Andrew's wish there was no doubt in anybody's mind

"We didn't know what to expect and the rewards were great for us - it wasn't great to lose Andrew but it was a consolation to know that he'd saved six lives.

"We get letters from the NHS for example: 'The gentleman who received Andrew's left kidney and pancreas is now seen closer to home and you'll be pleased to know that he continues to do well'

Speaking about letters from the recipients, Arthur added:

"The big example is the one who recieved Andrew's heart - it was very small, very short but it was oozing with thanks and that's what made our lives, you know, it was a great consolation to the family.

"We are proud because he did that himself."