A donor saved my life thanks to brave family

I READ the letter from Diana Priestley with a mixture of shock and sadness at her lack of understanding regarding transplants (Yorkshire Post, March 2).

I had a heart transplant six years ago and although I was dying I never prayed for someone’s death to save my life. I do pray for the donor family for their loss and thank them for their courage in carrying out the wishes of their loved one.

The family carried out the wishes of the donor to give the heart and knowing that this action has saved a life must give them much comfort.

I quote from a treasured letter I received from the widow: “It gives great joy that my husband’s heart has given you life, and a greater quality of life.

“He was a very giving man and would have wanted someone to gain from his death. Although our feelings of loss and grief are great, knowing that you have benefited from his heart and are doing so well gives us joy. I wish you continued good health and happiness.”

Any death brings grief, but no organ is taken from the body, it is given by the donor with the family’s agreement. The transplant team treat the body and the grieving family with the utmost respect and to suggest shades of Burke and Hare is outrageous.

The best memorial one can have is the gift of life for others rather than a pyramid.