Faith Sindick & Ritty Tomichen | Reporters
Jemima Layzell died back in 2012, when she was just 13 years old, from a brain aneurysm. Here’s her incredible story.
An aneurysm can grow anywhere in your body however it is most commonly found around the heart or in the brain. The young heroine from Somerset has set a new NHS Blood and Transplant record by donating her heart, pancreas, lungs, kidneys, small bowel and liver. This tremendous decision by both herself and her parents has saved eight people’s lives which includes five children around the country.
Jemima collapsed while preparing for her mum’s 38th Birthday party and she was taken immediately to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children where she died 4 days later. A few weeks before she died, after a conversation with her parents Sophy and Harvey, she concluded was she happy to donate as she understood the significance. Nonetheless, her parents still found the final decision difficult.
“Jemima was lovely – clever, funny, compassionate and creative – and we feel sure she would be very proud of her legacy”
– Sophy and Harvey Layzell
They are now encouraging all families to discuss the topic of organ donation through Jemima’s inspiring life and urging them to sign up for organ donation during Organ Donation Week – 4 September to 10 September.
Currently there are 6,414 people on the organ transplant waiting list and helping them will be a massive act of kindness.
