PAYING IT FORWARD

Nobody wants to think too deeply about their own death. Perhaps that's why so many of us shy away from even contemplating the prospect of organ donation. But did you know that a single organ donor can save up to seven lives, or that a kidney or liver transplant is possible from a still-living donor?

- PIPPA HUDSON

Organ donation has always been a story in two halves. On one side, there is a recipient, given a second chance at life and the hope of a new future, often after years of waiting. On the other side, there is often a family in mourning, facing their own terrible loss even as they find the courage to give someone else a new start.

Occasionally, a living donor is brave enough to volunteer, placing their own future health at risk to save the life of a loved one.

How do you even begin to say thank you for such a sacrifice? We spoke to five organ recipients about gratitude, second chances, and paying it forward.

Tina Beckbessinger

'I was six months old when I was diagnosed with major heart complications, and doctors told my parents I would not live past the age of 7. But I have never been one to do as I am told, and surprised everyone by making it through high school.

'In my early 20s my health deteriorated fast, but I was told I'd only go onto the transplant waiting list once I'd lost sufficient quality of life. When I was 28, I was sleeping 20 hours a day. I was on oxygen round the clock; I'd shaved my head because I didn't have the strength to brush my hair; I lived on soup because I didn't have the strength to chew.

So I asked my doctors, how much more quality of life do you want me to lose? And they finally put me on the list.