Gilly Singh Mundy
Charity caseworker Gurpreet ('Gilly') Singh Mundy, from London, saved three lives and restored the sight of two others when he donated his organs after his death in March 2007.
Gilly, 36, collapsed after suffering a brain haemorrhage at work. He was rushed to hospital but despite doctors’ best efforts, he died two days later with wife Debbie and his family by his side.
Dad Mota Singh, 68, said that Gilly had always wanted to help others: “He was a very caring person and I remember seeing him with a Donor Card even when he was at school.
“Gilly would have been delighted to know that his wish to donate was fulfilled.”
Gilly donated both of his kidneys and his liver, which were used to help people with life-threatening organ failure. His corneas were also transplanted, helping two patients regain the gift of sight.
Mr Singh said that the family had drawn comfort from the knowledge that Gilly had helped others live.
“We received a letter from one of the patients, a 58-year-old man who had received Gilly’s liver, and when we saw it, it gave us such relief to know that, thank God, there is someone living thanks to Gilly.
“It made us feel more positive and stronger about Gilly’s death, knowing that some good had come from it. We’re very proud of him.”
The family are now determined to help make sure that Gilly’s example inspires yet more people to consider their wishes for organ donation and they are supporting UK Transplant’s ‘Can We Count On You?’ campaign, which encourages black and Asian people to consider donation.
Mr Singh, a former mayor of Leamington Spa, said: “I know that there is a desperate shortage of organ donors, especially from the South Asian community, so I hope more people will follow Gilly’s example.
“Since his death we have talked about donation with so many people and it’s clear that his example has already prompted many people to consider their wishes for donation.
“So two very good things have come from his donation – the transplants themselves but also greater awareness of donation among his family, friends and the wider community. It’s a wonderful legacy.”
Gilly’s legacy will also extend to India, where the Buwan Kothi Trust he founded is helping rural communities in Haryana state build a sustainable future. His family are raising funds for the Trust to build the Gilly Singh Memorial Institute, a school and medical advice centre in the small village where Gilly’s family come from, and Mr Singh says the Institute’s work will include promoting organ donation.
