A new glass artwork memorial dedicated to organ donors has been unveiled at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
The Gift of Life, designed by glass artist Martin Donlin, was revealed last Thursday as part of ‘Organ Donation Week’ at the Headington site.
The colourful memorial extends along one façade of glass and aims to recognise the contribution of organ and tissue donors, particularly from Oxfordshire.
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A specialist nurse in organ donation (SNOD), Candice Hinds, said: “We are proud to be paying tribute to the past and future organ and tissue donors and their families who have made the gift of life possible.”
The family member of a deceased donor and a donor recipient watched on as the memorial was unveiled, alongside the deputy lord mayor of Oxford and a few other attendees.
Artist Martin Donlin cited renewal and regeneration as inspiration for the design, represented by abstracted images of ‘forget-me-not' flowers.
He added: “Bright vibrant colours are overlaid with subtle delicate lines, integrated with the skyline of Oxford.
Installation of the design was funded by the Organ Donation Committee with support from Oxford Hospitals Charity.
It was developed by Artlink, the arts programme for Oxford University Hospitals (OUH).
The ribbon was cut by Sarah Cameron and Teresa Saunders for whom the memorial carried a special personal significance.
Ms Cameron’s father, who signed up to be an organ donor before his death after he was diagnosed with a rare type of stroke, had had his kidneys subsequently donated to two patients in need.
She said: “As a donor family it’s 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.”
Ms Saunders, who was the recipient of life-changing transplants in 2013, said: “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.”
The Trust supports word-leading research programmes and works in close partnership with the University of Oxford to combine academic research expertise with clinical teams.
Visit the NHS Blood and Transplant website to register your decision about organ donation.
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