Change in donor system – but tell family

The law surrounding organ and tissue donation in Scotland is changing to an opt-out system from March next year.

The amendment means that if you have not recorded a donation decision, you will be considered to h av e agreed to be a donor when you die.

Miss Watson, spurred on since having just learned who her donor was, is none theless reminding people they have to make their families aware of their wishes.

“T he opt- out will mean more people become donors,” the Fraserburgh fundraiser said.

“But the hospital will only go through with it if your family consent, so you must have that c o n v e r s a t i o n ,” she added.

“I found out just last week that my donor was a 54-year-old female,” she said.

“I just kept putting off asking as I thought it was going to be harder.”

Mi s s Wa t s o n has since written a letter to her donor’s family and says in time she would like to meet them, if they are agreeable.

“No words seemed enough to thank them,” she added.

“It’s hard to find the right words to explain what they mean to you,” she said.

“Even though I have not met them, their loved one kept me alive. Their heart is beating in me.”

With that in mind, she is asking people to support her ongoing bonus ball fundraiser and upcoming Christmas advent giveaway online, featuring dozens of prizes donated by north-east businesses.

Details of her fundraiser, in aid of Fr e e m a n Ho s p i t a l , Newcastle, can be found by searching Ke l l y Watson or Northeast Scotland 20 on Facebook.