Organ donation: Why you should be like Scot and save the lives of others

Mr Hamilton, an ex-serviceman of more than 20 years, collapsed while getting ready to work after suffering a bleed to the brain.

He never woke up. And in the hours following his death his family signed the consent for his wish to donate his organs.

His liver was transported to save a mother, who received a successful transplant and survives today.

But Mr Hamilton, who lived in Bealeys Avenue, Wednesfield, and had two children, is one of only a few people signed up to the donor scheme.

The Royal Wolverhampton Trust did not receive a single organ donation in a six month period up to February.

Now, Mr Hamilton's brother Simon, and his family, want his death to inspire others to come forward and give the 'gift of life'.

He said: "Everything he did was to try and help people. We knew this was what he wanted to do.

"Knowing that he has saved lives of others gives us comfort in our loss. Everyone loved him so much.

"He lives on in someone else, giving a new lease of life using the organs he no longer needs."

He added: "We, as a family, have been touched by his actions - and we now want it to inspire others in the area to also sign up as organ donors."

Scot was one of six siblings raised by parents Ken and Irene in Wednesfield. He went to St Thomas More school before leaving and joining the army.

He served in the Staffordshire Regiment for 20 years, serving in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Northern Ireland.

On leaving the army, he set up his own business before becoming a tutor helping young people find work at Ingeus.

While outside of his work he was an adult instructor in the Army Cadets. The base in Fallings Park is naming a First Aid award in his honour, while the cadets regimental drum and a room at the Cannock Activity Centre is being named in his honour.

The Staffordshire Regimental Association is displaying a remembrance plaque for him at the Staffordshire Regimental Remembrance Garden in Lichfield.

Scot also co-managed Jacks Allsorts Football Club in Sunday Bilston League. The team displayed a flag in his honour at a cup semi-final.

And his local pub, the Red Lion in Wednesfield, is also naming a pub quiz after him.

He had two children from his first marriage, Steven, aged 25, and Danielle, 27. He also has twin daughters Matilda and Charlotte from his second marriage.

Mr Hamilton said: "Scot's sudden death had brought the family closer together, but he is solely missed by all.

"He was the live and soul of every party. The room lit up when he would walk in."

The family's campaign has been supported by the NHS Blood and Transplant service.

A spokesman said: "With thousands of adults and hundreds of children in desperate need of a transplant and people dying every day because there aren't enough organ donors, we need people to tell their relatives they want to be an organ donor and record their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register today.

"One donor can save or transform up to nine lives through organ donation and transform even more by donating tissue."

Chair of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Organ Donation Group Dr Janet Anderson said: "We have a very positive approach to promoting organ donation and express our sincere gratitude to families who in the midst of grief and sadness donate a loved one's organs to help other people.

"Their generosity and kindness transforms and saves lives.

"We would encourage everyone to not only register as an organ donor but also to make their wishes clear to family members who can see their intentions through in the event of their death."