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A memorial honouring organ donors and their families has been unveiled at Arrowe Park Hospital, intended to mark the start of Organ Donation Week.
As reported by Birkenhead News, Wirral artist Emma Rodgers created the memorial. The striking metal sculpture takes the form of an oak tree. The tree features individual metal leaves carrying the names of those remembered through the memorial, with further names able to be added in the years ahead.
The families of donors joined colleagues from Wirral University Teaching Hospital, members of the Organ Donation Committee and guests to celebrate the unveiling.
Among those attending was Joanne Caswell, from Bromborough, whose husband Karl became an organ donor after he died in 2010.
Karl sadly died at Arrowe Park Hospital aged 46 after suffering a brain haemorrhage. He went on to donate multiple organs and tissues, including his kidneys, liver, pancreas, eyes and heart valves.
Karl's donation made a huge impact, as the person who received his kidney and pancreas came off dialysis. Meanwhile, the person who got his other kidney and part of his liver was able to return to an active life with his family. His heart valves were also donated to babies.
Joanne, who is now a member of the hospital's Organ Donation Committee, said: "Organ donation is one of the most selfless things a person can do. It creates a ripple effect; it gives someone their life back, and it brings hope to their families, their friends, and everyone around them. Karl didn't just die; he gave life."
Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: "This beautiful memorial gives us a permanent place at Arrowe Park Hospital to remember and reflect on those who have given others the gift of life, as well as those who wished to donate but were unable to."
Ms. Holmes continued, saying she hopes the memorial gives families a place to visit and reminds passersby about the importance of organ donation.
Ms. Rodgers said the oak tree sculpture is a "symbol of the lasting legacy of those who have given the greatest gift of all: life."
She added that the oak tree was chosen for the sculpture because a tree gives back to people and offers strength, shelter, and hope.
The Wirral-based artist says that she hopes the sculpture becomes a place of both remembrance and hope for families and passersby.
On the memorial, the words "Life beyond life. One gift, many lives" are visible, with dedications to those named on the tree.
