Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
It was so emotional when I heard Keira’s name
MAX’S mum Emma left the chamber, overcome with emotion when moving tributes were paid to Keira, whose donor heart saved her son.
Keira’s father Joe made the courageous decision to donate after she was killed in a car crash as her mum Loanna lay in a coma.
Emma said: “It was so emotional. When I heard Keira’s name, I got up from my seat in the House and listened from behind the door because I was in tears.
“I know her heart is now beating inside Max and has saved my son.
“That is what this law change is all about – and I just felt so grateful to Keira’s family. It felt so right that she was remembered and honoured in that way. “It was so emotional, listening to all the MPS’ personal stories of organ donation and it made you realise how it impacts on a cross-section of society.” “It was just incredible to be there in the chamber and to hear them say ‘Max’s Law’. I just thought ‘That’s my boy. You’ve done good, kid’.”
The market researcher added: “I remember how brave he was when we asked him if he wanted to be part of the Mirror campaign, and the way he felt it might help others in his situation. That made me feel proud and I know the Mirror campaign helped him.”
Keira’s mum Loanna, 33, said: “We gave permission for our MP Peter Heatonjones to say what happened to us in
Parliament.
“We wanted to tell everyone the donor’s story, so that it gives people strength in future.”
Speaking from home, she added: “We have drawn such comfort from Max’s progress and seeing him do so well. It does feel like Keira is now a part of history being made on organ donation, and that is amazing.
“It makes it feel like we’ve done something to help others, and we believe strongly in organ donation because it helps save lives.” Emma said Keira’s family telling their story in the Mirror at such a key time may have “pushed the campaign over the finishing line”.
“It’s is an incredible legacy for Keira,” she added. “I would also like to thank the Mirror team for their commitment and persistence, it is an example of journalism at its very best.”