Organ donor memorial unveiled at OUH

A specially-commissioned glass artwork memorial to people who have given the gift of life through organ and tissue donation has been officially unveiled at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

The Gift of Life, designed by glass artist Martin Donlin, is permanently installed at the hospital, part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH). It was unveiled on Thursday 21 September during Organ Donation Week (Monday 18 – Sunday 24 September).

A ribbon was cut to mark the occasion, with a family member of a deceased donor and a donor recipient present alongside clinical and senior OUH colleagues. Ian Mean MBE, regional chair for the South Central NHS Blood and Transplant committees, and Cllr James Fry, Deputy Lord Mayor of Oxford, also attended.

The colourful, visually striking design of the memorial, which extends along one façade of glass and wraps round the entrance of the main hospital entrance, aims to recognise the contribution of organ and tissue donors, particularly local donors, and the gift of life they have given, and to raise awareness of the value of organ donation.

Georgina O’Brien, a Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation (SNOD) at OUH, said: "We are thrilled to officially unveil The Gift of Life, which will provide a unique welcome for patients, visitors and colleagues as they arrive at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

"The poignant installation serves as a tribute to the selfless individuals and their families who have generously donated organs, offering the gift of life to others and celebrating the profound impact that donors have on the lives of those who receive their life-saving gifts."

Candice Hinds, a Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation (SNOD) at OUH, said: "This memorial has been a long time coming. We are proud to be paying tribute to the past and future organ and tissue donors and their families who has made the gift of life possible."

Dr Andrew Brent, Chair of the Organ Donation Committee and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at OUH, said: "The artwork embodies the spirit of compassion and selflessness that defines the organ and tissue donation community. It stands as a testament to the incredible impact that organ and tissue donors and their families have on the lives of those in need, and it serves as a source of inspiration for our patients, visitors and staff alike.

"I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues and external partners without whom the installation of this inspiring artwork would not be possible. Martin's expertise and commitment has truly brought the artwork to life, and we are hugely appreciative of his work and the legacy he will help create."

Artist Martin Donlin said: "Renewal and regeneration were the inspiration for my design, represented by abstracted images of 'forget-me-not' flowers. Bright vibrant colours are overlaid with subtle delicate lines, integrated with the skyline of Oxford. The text 'The Gift Of Life' runs throughout the entire design as a message to us all of the importance of organ donation."

The installation was funded by the Organ Donation Committee with support from Oxford Hospitals Charity. It was developed by artlink, the arts programme for OUH.

Ruth Charity, Arts Lead at Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: "It has been a pleasure to work with Martin Donlin and staff from the Organ Donation team on this thoughtful commission for the entrance to the John Radcliffe Hospital.

"We hope that Martin’s uplifting and beautiful glass will be enjoyed by all staff, patients and visitors coming into the hospital, providing a vibrant welcome as well as reminder of the extraordinary gift of life bestowed by organ donors."

'The biggest gift of a second chance'

Sarah Cameron and Teresa Saunders, for whom organ donation means so much for different reasons, cut the ribbon to unveil The Gift of Life.

Sarah's father, Stephen, was diagnosed with a subarachnoid haemorrhage, a rare type of stroke caused by bleeding on the surface of the brain, and died in 2019. He signed up to be an organ donor before his death and his kidneys were donated to two patients in need.

Sarah said: "As a donor family it is fantastic to see the sacrifice of so many recognised in a beautiful installation. We hope it will increase awareness of organ donation, and encourage honest conversations between family, friends, and staff."

Teresa, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a child, developed kidney problems when pregnant – her son was born in 2008 – and was put on the waiting list for kidney and pancreas transplants in 2010. She received both life-changing transplants in 2013.

She said: "Organ donation is the biggest gift of a second chance of life or improvement to your life. I am here today because an angel saved me from living a short life, and I’m honoured to be here with my family for a lot longer."

Visit the NHS Blood and Transplant website to register your decision about organ donation or find out more.