Mum's plea for more to sign up as organ donors and help life go on for others

WITHOUT a donated kidney, first-time mum Gemma Wardle wouldn't have been able to bring her daughter into the world – now she wants others to have the same chance.

There are currently 25 people in North East Lincolnshire waiting for an organ transplant according to NHS Blood and Transplant, and in the past 12 months, 15 local people received an organ donation for either the liver, kidney or cornea.

WELCOME HOME: Transplant recipient Gemma Wardle cuddles her ten-week-old daughter Lexie Wardle, with her father Doug Pickett. Picture: Abby Ruston. Buy this photo at www.thisisphotosales.co.uk/grimsby or by contacting 08444 060910

And now, Gemma, who was given a new kidney 21 years ago, is urging members of the public to register as donors so others like her have the opportunity to bring new life into the world.




As reported, Gemma gave birth to her 3lb daughter Lexie 31 weeks into her pregnancy at St James's University Hospital, Leeds, after it was discovered she was suffering serious liver problems.

Gemma said: "I was suppose to have a Caesarean section at 35 weeks, but because my liver was failing during pregnancy I had it at 31 weeks."

She explained she had suffered a viral infection when she was younger that had left scarring on her liver, and had caused the problem.

"I am still recovering ten weeks after giving birth, but even though I am weak, to have Lexie here is the best feeling.

"Donors need to realise it is not just one life they are helping, others are created by keeping someone alive.

"Lexie is the result of an organ donor because without them she would not be here and neither would I."

Gemma, 28, a nurse caring for children in schools throughout North East Lincolnshire, wants to encourage more people to become donors.

She said: "There are people who become donors but do not tell anyone. I strongly urge you to let relatives know so there is nothing stopping the donation from going ahead.

"With my new kidney I have given my husband Carl a daughter and our own family has begun together.

"This is something you can never thank someone enough for, but I am forever grateful for the opportunities I have been given."

Gemma's parents, Doug Pickett, and Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Susan Pickett nearly lost their daughter when she was 6 and now they have their third grandchild.

Mr Pickett, said: "Organ donation makes such a big difference to so many lives and, of course, to the receiver.

"Gemma's kidney has lasted her for 21 years now with no problems and as a result has allowed her to get married and welcome her first child into the world. We are very proud of her achievements and her strong will to carry on in life.

"She has already accomplished a great deal and we just hope this carries on for her future."

On Tuesday, February 7, there were 41,008 people living in North East Lincolnshire on the UK Organ Donor Register.

Adele Lloyd, specialist nurse for organ donation for Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Anyone can register on the Organ Donor Register.

"Age isn't a barrier to being an organ or tissue donor and neither are most medical conditions.

"People in their 70s and 80s have become donors and saved numerous lives.

"One donor can save or transform up to nine lives and many more can be helped through the donation of tissues.

"We are working to make donation a usual rather than unusual event in the UK, it is an important part of end of life care."

To sign up to the register visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 1232323.