Selfless Doncaster gran inspires others to join organ donor register

A selfless grandmother who saved at least three people's lives after donating her organs following her sudden death has inspired dozens of residents to sign up to become donors.
Susan McCormack, aged 53Susan McCormack, aged 53
Susan McCormack, aged 53

Susan McCormack has left a lasting legacy thanks to the inspirational act which has seen the number of people signing up to the register in the borough sky rocket.

Mrs McCormack’s devastated family say they have been comforted after learning her organ donations have already saved the lives of three people and many more patients lives could be improved thanks to her actions.

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A statement on behalf of the family said: “As much as our family are devastated and heartbroken, we have found comfort from donating her organs, knowing she is still living on helping other people.

“We wanted to speak out to create more awareness for organ donation and to express how rewarding it is, to give other people a chance for an extra day, week or year with their families – we feel this is better than no chance at all.

“Organ donation is so important , it can save lives, it can change lives – it truly is a selfless gift.

“Our family have had numerous messages from people who have been inspired to sign up as a donor - which is amazing”

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Mrs McCormack was a familiar face in the Thorne and Moorends area and her family have been overwhelmed by the support from the community following her death.

The popular 53-year-old was mother to Carly, Chloe and Callum, grandmother to Layla and Ruby, and had been married to husband Nick for 30 years.

Speaking after her death in April following a intracranial hemorrhage her family said: “She was the best wife and mother we could have ever wished for and always there for all of us no matter what. The way we describe her is she would go to the shop for bread and milk and would be back at teatime, as she’d spend hours talking to everyone up and down the street.

“She had a heart of gold and was always there to listen and advise,”

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Mrs McCormack, of Moorends, had recently returned home from a holiday in Mexico to see her daughter Chloe get married just weeks before her death.

She was also looking forward to the birth of her third grandchild in June before tragedy struck. Her family said: “In recent months, Susan has been the happiest she has ever been. It’s nice to know that she knew all her family were happy and settled.”

The family praised the care she received at Doncaster Royal Infirmary’s critical care unit and have since embarked on a fundraising mission to raise cash for the ward.

Husband Nick said: “The staff who looked after Susan at Doncaster Critical Care unit were phenomenal, the best in the world as far as I’m concerned, they couldn’t do enough for us.

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“The staff were angels the way they looked after her and we can’t thank them enough.”

Since Mrs McCormack’s death, family members and friends have been raising money for the critical care unit. Nick added: “She has left such a big hole in our lives but the support we have had from the whole community has been phenomenal and we want to thank everyone, she touched a lot of people’s lives.

“People are fundraising and donating money for the critical care unit and there’s already over 50 people who have signed up to the organ donation register.

“Susan would be pushing everyone to do this, that’s the kind of person she was always wanting to help others.

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“She will be up there looking down and will be honoured. What a fantastic legacy”

A spokesperson at NHS Blood and Transplant said: “Every donor has given an incredible gift, and we know their families take great pride and comfort from knowing their loved one has transformed the lives of others.

“We are extremely grateful to the family for their decision to support organ donation at this difficult time for them.

“One donor can save or transform up to nine lives through organ donation and transform even more by tissue donation.

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“Every day around three people who could have benefited from a transplant die because there aren’t enough organ donors. We need more people to agree to organ donation. Make sure your family know you want to be an organ donor. Register to donate and tell them your decisions.”

Joining the NHS Organ Donor Register really is a simple process – it takes two minutes. Visit organ donation or call 0300 123 23 23. Let your friends and family know when you have signed the Organ 
Donor Register.