New sculpture ‘The Gift of Life’ unveiled to mark Organ Donation Week

In the last five years, 18 local people generously donated their organs after death to save the lives of 47 others across the country.

To recognise the gift of life given by all organ donors in Swindon and Wiltshire, the Trust has today (22 September) unveiled a new sculpture on the Great Western Hospital site.

Marking the start of national Organ Donation Week, the sculpture was unveiled by the Episcopo family, who sadly lost their mother Diana a few years ago.

Diana became the oldest donor in the south west, when her organs were donated after her sudden death, to help deliver three life-saving transplants to patients across the country.

Joanne Episcopo, daughter of Diana, said: “My mum was a doctor and completely committed to the NHS all her working life. We know that as a donor, her organs helped three different people in improving, and possibly prolonging, their lives.

 “She would have been delighted about this, and possibly a little surprised that even at the age of 84 she was still helping people to have better lives.

“It is a fitting tribute to who she was, and as a family we are all very proud of her.”

The sculpture, which was created by local artist David Murphy, is a handmade brass and steel sphere, with various organ shapes, such as a liver or heart, set into the metalwork.

He added: “I am so thrilled to have been asked to sculpt this art piece for Great Western Hospitals. My own sister has received a kidney transplant, so I know first hand how important the circle of life is and wanted to show this through my art, for others to reflect and recognise local donor heroes.

"I’ve chosen to entwine various organs into the brass, to show how everyone is joined together through the extraordinary process of organ donation.”

93 people in Wiltshire are currently waiting for an organ, so the Trust’s organ donation team are appealing to local people to consider joining the donor register, as part of a national drive to encourage at least 25,000 people to register their decision for the first time.

Malcolm Watters, Consultant in Critical Care and Anaesthesia and Chair of the Organ Donation Committee, said: “In just two minutes, you could help save up to nine lives in the future by confirming your decision on the organ donor register and sharing it with family and colleagues.

“Only a very small number of people die in a way that it is possible for them to be organ donors, so the more people who register as donors, the better chance we have of organ donation being possible.

“Knowing your relatives have registered their wishes makes the choice easier and a much more positive experience for everyone should the time come.”

To join the organ donation register, visit: Register your decision - NHS Organ Donation