Stokesley NHS worker's mother saves two lives

Helen Wilson, a general manager at University Hospitals Tees, is encouraging others to record their wishes after the death of her mother, Judith Webster, who gave the 'gift of life' to two people.

Ms Webster, a 63-year-old radiographer from Stokesley, died unexpectedly in 2019.

Judith Webster and her grandchildren(Image: Supplied)

Ms Wilson said: "Since we were very little, we always knew about mum's wishes as she carried her donor card in her purse wherever she went.

"As children, we frequently would have conversations about our own wishes and became comfortable to be able to advocate for mum when the time came."

Ms Webster had worked at The James Cook University Hospital and spent more than 40 years in the NHS.

Avril, Judith Webster, Helen Wilson and her son(Image: Supplied)

Her family said her experience shaped her views on organ donation and helped guide them through the decision.

Ms Wilson said: "We were in a very fortunate position to know mum’s views on organ donation if the time came, which made it easier to ask in Accident and Emergency if we could consider organ donation, where the answer from all of us was yes.

"The organ donation process also enabled our family to spend even more time with her and to say our goodbyes in the intensive care unit.

Judith Webster(Image: Supplied)

"The staff in those most difficult of days were kind and patient with us and guided us through the process skilfully."

On Christmas Eve in 2019, Ms Wilson received a call from her father about a letter from the recipients of her mother’s organs.

The letter explained that two people had been given a second chance at life – one who had waited five years for a transplant, and another who had been waiting for seven.

Ms Wilson said: "Organ donation was an open subject in our family, and knowing mum’s wishes meant we were able to advocate for her last wishes.

"If the time ever comes and you, as a family member, are asked to consider organ donation, knowing their wishes makes the conversation much easier.

"Being a donor family is a special club, although I hope that no one faces this, we as a family find great comfort in knowing that mum's wishes were followed through to give the gift of life to someone."

Lisa Tombling, a specialist nurse in organ donation, said Ms Webster’s story highlights the importance of recording your decision.

Ms Tombling said: "We are really thankful to Helen and her family for sharing their inspirational story.

"Her mum’s life is a testament to how a simple decision to donate organs makes the entire process of organ donation comfortable for families.

"It just takes two minutes to confirm your decision, which could save nine lives."

Anyone can confirm their decision by visiting the NHS Organ Donor Website.