When Alex Newlove, 27, suffered a sudden brain haemorrhage in 2020, his mother Judy Coutinho faced the hardest decision of her life. In the midst of unbearable grief, she said yes to organ donation. Alex’s kidneys were donated for research, and part of his eye – the cornea – was given to someone who could see again because of him. Now, a piece of artwork is being created to honour Alex and the other organ donors whose gifts saved lives, and to recognise the families who made that choice.
A tribute to organ donors at Manchester Royal Infirmary
The artwork will be unveiled on 23 September at Manchester Royal Infirmary’s Oxford Road Campus. It has been commissioned by Lime Arts, a charity that delivers creative projects for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The piece was inspired by a poem written by and for bereaved organ donor families, who have been involved throughout the design process.
Judy Coutinho, one of four families involved in the project, describes the experience: “We have worked, laughed and cried together, but the true heroes are the organ donors.”
Honouring donors and the families who said yes
For families facing organ donation decisions, knowing that their loved one’s gift will be recognised and honoured can bring comfort. And for kidney patients waiting for a transplant, seeing public recognition of donors and their families reinforces an essential truth: donation is not just a medical transaction – it’s an act of profound generosity and a legacy that extends far beyond the operating theatre.
Alex Newlove saved six people’s lives through organ donation. His kidneys supported research that may one day help patients like those we support at MRIKPA. That legacy matters, and this artwork will ensure it’s remembered.
Celebrating organ donation in our community
This artwork will not solve the organ shortage or change donation rates overnight. But it sends a message to families in crisis: your decision matters. Your loved one’s legacy will be honoured. And for young people living with kidney transplants, it’s a visible reminder that donors and their families are heroes.
Public recognition of organ donation also creates space for families to grieve and heal. As Judy Coutinho said of the families involved in the project: “The bond created between us all… artists, hospital team and the four donor families is very special.” Shared experience and public acknowledgement can help transform tragedy into purpose.
You can read the full original article from BBC News here: Artwork to honour organ donors and their families.
If you’re interested in learning more about organ donation, or if you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one and organ donation, we’re here to listen. Explore our organ donation information or reach out to our team at support@mrikpa.org.uk or 07745 242 684.
Source: BBC News, May 2024 – read the original article
This article is provided for general information and awareness purposes only and was believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. It is not intended as medical advice – please always consult your doctor or renal team for guidance on your individual circumstances. Images used are for illustration purposes only and may not be medically or editorially accurate. While we take every care, errors can occur. If you spot an inaccuracy, please let us know at support@mrikpa.org.uk.
