Story of family tragedy told on TV auction show
A TV programme will today show a community pulling together, after a tragic accident which saw a mother lose both her husband and young son. BBC show Street Auction has filmed a special edition in Cardiff showing neighbours helping out mum Anna-Louise Bates.
Anna-Louise’s husband Stuart and seven-year-old son Fraser died after being hit by a car as they crossed a road in Talbot Green, near Llantrisant, in 2015.
It has just been the two-year anniversary of the devastating crash, which took place after the family had attended a Christmas jumper party.
Stuart, who had dressed as Santa, died at the scene.
Fraser was taken to Bristol Children’s Hospital where he died of his injuries.
Speaking previously, the mother-oftwo described her son’s brave battle in intensive care before he was taken to Bristol.
While Welsh medics did not believe he was strong enough to make the journey, Anna-Louise refused to take no for an answer.
She later made the decision to donate her son’s organs, which went on to save at least four lives, including his heart, which was donated to a baby. Sadly, Stuart’s wish to be a donor could not be completed.
Anna-Louise has now set up the Believe charity to encourage people to talk about organ donation. By sharing the story of her son and husband using a teddy bear named Fraser Bear, she hopes to raise awareness of organ donation and help both donor and recipient families.
Street Auction will air on BBC One at 11am today.
Presented by Paul Martin and Danny Sebastian, it sees people donate items to sell at a street auction in order to benefit a community member. Previews of the programme show Anna-Louise pay an emotional tribute to a “larger-than-life” husband and their little boy with “the biggest heart”.
She has now marked the anniversary of the death of “her boys” with a trip with daughter Elizabeth to ensure she is making new, positive memories.
A Christmas campaign has also been launched by the charity, asking people to donate instead of buying Christmas cards.
The campaign is running under the slogan: “This Christmas believe in the gift of life”. It has been set up by Llanishen High student Leah Coulter.
Anna-Louise went to the school and she expected Fraser to go there too.
Leah is fundraising as part of her Welsh Baccalaureate and has also made keyrings for a £1 donation.
You can donate at www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/believe-organ-donor-support/thegiftoflife