The Taylor Family
Gaynor Taylor knows more than most the pain of losing a loved one.
In 2004, her son Richard died after being critically injured in a skating accident. He was just 23. Less than two years later her husband John died from a heart attack at the age of 55.
Both had joined the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR), wanting to help others live by donating their organs when they died. Thanks to Richard’s gift six people were given a second chance, while John, who was able to donate his tissue, also helped others have a brighter future.
Gaynor, a tireless campaigner for organ donation, says she is eternally proud of both of them.
“Knowing Richard and John helped so many people have a second chance fills me with an immense sense of pride,” said Gaynor.
“It’s such a devastating time when your lose someone, but I did find it comforting, as did John when Richard died, knowing that they were helping others live.”
An internationally renowned in-line skater, Richard thrilled fans around the world with his skill, energy and positive attitude
After his death, his dad John said: “Knowing that other people have been given the chance of life is the miracle that has come out of this. There is no point in wasting a life when others can be saved.”
Following their son’s death, John and Gaynor worked hard helping raise awareness of the ODR. In March 2006 though, just days before he was due to take part in a charity event, John died from a massive heart attack.
”John had been to see our other son Robert in Switzerland. He’d arrived back at the airport and I had gone to pick him up. I could see he wasn’t well when I first saw him. When we got home his eyes rolled back and his arm just sunk to the side.
“I called for an ambulance, but when we got to the hospital he had had a massive heart attack. The doctors resuscitated him, but he later had another one and there was nothing that anyone could do to save him.”
Gaynor says her feelings about organ donation have only grown stronger since that sad day.
“It’s such a positive gift to make,” she explained. “I don’t think anyone really knows what it means to the donor family and the recipient until it happens to them.
“It fills me with so much strength knowing that my son and husband’s lives have not been wasted. I hope more follow Richard and John’s lead and join the Organ Donor Register.”