Star comment: Gift of life a legacy for brave Lolly
Lauren Wilkinson touched the lives of all who knew her.
She was loving, witty and playful.
And she left a lasting impression on everyone who met her.
Her tragic death at just 17 is immensely sad.
The loss of someone so bright and so young is difficult to come to terms with.
There can be no greater challenge in life for a parent than dealing with the devastating premature loss of a child.
But out of the sorrow and the grief is a beautiful shining ray of light and hope.
For Lauren was an organ donor and has helped change the lives of four other people.
She has given them and their families the ultimate gift – the gift of life.
Organ donation is nothing short of a modern day miracle.
It means those who may suffer great pain and early death are given a second chance.
It means mothers are saved from losing their sons, husbands from losing their wives, and children from losing their parents.
Some may try to argue it will be of little comfort to the donor's family – but it should be.
Because of courageous Lauren, others will be spared the agony her family is currently feeling.
It is an act of extraordinary benevolence.
Being an organ donor is not an easy choice.
No-one wants to think about their death let alone their organs being transplanted.
But if you think it is a difficult choice for the individual – just think how difficult it must be for family members expected to make the decision for you.
Lauren's mum Pam admits originally being against the idea. But she then realised just what she would have given to save her daughter.
Lauren helped others like her have their lives back.
One thing we can all do is to make clear our wishes. You don't need to carry a card these days – it is as easy as filling in a quick questionnaire online.
It is better we make a choice to save those close to us from having to wrestle with the question from amid grief and sorrow.
There are around 7,000 people on the transplant list across Britain – including around 200 children.
In Wolverhampton last year there was not a single donation in six months.
It is within our gift to save others – that is a legacy Lolly and all donors can be proud of.
