Organ Donation - Giving the Gift of Life - Jess Gater Interviewed by Stuart George BBC Radio Stoke

Listen to this emotive BBC radio interview by Jess Gater and her close friend Dave Dawson, talking about their own experiences with organ donation when a loved one passes suddenly, and being a transplant organ recipient.

Jess lost her boyfriend Gav unexpectedly in the early hours of Christmas Day morning in 2021. But as Jess found out later, Gav had wished to be an organ donor. So Jess and Gav's family set out to make that come true for him, despite the tragic circumstances of his passing.

Incidentally, Dave, her close friend had received a kidney 6 years before, donated by a stranger after being on the waiting list for 31 years.

Listen to both their stories and let those personal experiences introduce you to the thought of tissue and organ donation. It may convince you to save a life...

PS. Stuart George is a Presenter and Journalist, working with BBC Radio Stoke. He has a regular News/Sport/Talk afternoon show in which he brings interviews on current interesting topics to his listeners'.

ORGAN DONATION

Donating organs and tissue can save people’s lives. Depending on the organ or tissue, you can donate while you’re alive, or, after death.

Organ donation after death can be quite an issue as it can be difficult getting suitable donors. Most organs come from people who have died in accidents and are declared brain dead, but their hearts are still pumping blood and their organs are working. But only around 1% of people die in these circumstances.

Different countries also have varying systems. For example, the UK has recently changed to an opt-out system, whilst Australia still has an opt-in system.

This means you have to individually register to become an organ donor.

For more information, if you live in the UK go to:
https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/what-we-do/transplantation-services/organ-donation-and-transplantation

For more information, if you live in Australia go to: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/organ-and-tissue-donation

For more information, if you live in the US go to:
https://www.donatelife.net/

For other countries, check with your own government departments for information relevant to you. But please wherever you live, think seriously about registering as an organ and/or tissue donor.

And discuss your decision with your loved ones so they are aware of your wishes. Your decision now WILL HELP SAVE LIVES later...

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#jessgater #organdonation #organdonationregister

00:00 Stuart George introduces Pt.1 of Jess & Dave's interview
01:08 Jess's story - Gav's sudden passing
02:00 Four lives saved by Gav's being an organ donor
05:24 Dave's story - what it is to be a kidney recipient
08:35 Stuart George introduces Pt.2 of the interview
09:28 Why Dave's kidney is called Doreen?
10:08 Learning about Gav's organ recipients helps Jess
11:30 Dave's emotions learning about Gav's organ donation
12:10 The NHS opt-out system of organ donation
13:40 Organ donation does not affect funeral plans
14:50 Fear of donating certain organs
16:58 Jess's pledge to make a positive difference for Gav's sake
17:28 Jess thanks NHS heroes and staff for their help
18:25 Stuart wraps up the discussion - listeners' comments