Teen, 14, dies but leaves gift of life to others
A “selfless, caring” teenager has given the gift of life to three others after losing her own life in a bicycle crash.
Willow Stone, 14, of Gisborne, died on Sunday after her head was severely injured when she rode her cycle out of a driveway and collided with a van.
Her family have spoken about her decision to donate her organs and how, even in death, their “baby girl” continues to have a positive effect on her community.
Her mother, Rachael Stone, told the Gisborne Herald she wanted the community’s conversations to be about the legacy of organ donation, not about the fatal accident.
Willow was a free spirit, her mother said: “Her personality was always bubbly, friendly, loving, caring and empathetic . . . a real go-getter, up for anything fun. She always wanted to become an interior designer and had an eye for detail.
“She was the type of child who, if she was staying at a friend’s house, she would tidy their room for them for fun. She was a talented swimmer in her early days but soon decided to swap sports, to jujitsu. Both Willow and her sister ended up with national titles for this.”
Stone said “Willow’s selfless, caring nature blessed three people with her organs”.
One of the recipients was also a teenage girl, Stone said.
“There are so many people to thank. The incredible nurses, doctors, specialists, surgeons, ambulance, helicopter service, police and other members of our community who worked tirelessly . . . to help care for our baby.
“I need to mention a message that was sent to me from a nurse who cared for Willow up at the hospital. She expressed that after 22 years of nursing and seeing so many tragedies in her career, Willow has given her back the passion to keep caring for others.”
After the accident, residents reportedly carried out CPR until emergency services arrived and on Willow was transported to Gisborne Hospital.
Detective Sergeant Eric Hunter said police had completed scene inquiries and spoken to witnesses.
“The driver of the van is shocked and upset about what happened,” Hunter said. “He is also being supported by Victim Support, who continue to support Willow’s family.”