Visitors to the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick were invited to the unveiling of a glowing three-metre wide sunflower marking Organ Donation Week, honouring the extraordinary kindness of organ and tissue donors.
The golden artwork provided a powerful backdrop to an event that brought together staff, patients and donor families to share stories of lives saved and transformed through organ and tissue donation.
Suspended in the hospital’s main entrance, the sunflower’s 38 hand-crafted petals and illuminated seed lights symbolise hope and the lasting legacy of those who give the ultimate gift.
Guests heard moving personal stories, shared a moment of remembrance for local donors and their families and learnt more about how to register their organ donation decision.
Among those sharing their experience was Joanne Garvey, a mum-of-four from Sutton Coldfield and headteacher at Priestley Smith Specialist School in Great Barr, which supports children with visual impairment. Jo received two corneal transplants at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre. She said, “Before my second transplant I was registered blind. I couldn’t drive, I struggled to work and even simple things like recognising faces and reading books to my children became overwhelming. Living with that level of sight loss was frightening and isolating and it gave me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by people who are visually impaired.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, I have now regained my sight. I’ve been able to continue my life and move into my career leading a school that supports children with visual impairment. Every day in my role I’m reminded how vital vision is to independence and confidence, and I do everything I can to help the young people I work with to thrive – just as my donors helped me.
“The generosity of my donor transformed not only my life, but my whole family’s. We talk openly about organ donation at home and all of my children have signed up to the register. I’d encourage everyone to have that conversation.”
Dr Kieran Donnelly, Consultant in Critical Care and Anaesthesia and Clinical Lead for Organ Donation added, “Behind every successful transplant is a donor and a family who made an incredibly generous decision at a very difficult time. This sunflower is a reminder that organ donation is about hope and giving the gift of life. We encourage everyone to talk to their loved ones and register their decision. Please don’t leave your loved ones in doubt.”
To find out more or to record your decision, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk.