Daughter of Norfolk organ donor urges others to follow his example
Builder Paul Barnes passed away five months ago and was able to help save two lives through giving both of his kidneys
The daughter of a local man who's saved lives by donating his kidneys is urging others to follow in his footsteps.
Paul Barnes from East Harling, died in March after chocking to death at home- which caused a fatal brain injury.
Paul was a builder who specialised in historic renovations, including working on Norwich Cathedral, RSPB Strumpshaw, and numerous churches.
He was a keen fisherman who loved gardening, his allotment, and Norwich City FC. He had two children and five grandchildren and was recently widowed after a 35 year marriage.
Figures released by NHS Blood and Transplant to mark Organ Donation Week show that 4,900 people died while actively waiting for a lifesaving transplant.
In the last 10 years, 40 people from Norfolk, have died or been removed from the transplant waiting list without getting a transplant.
"I am immensely proud of our dad"
His daughter Hayley, 35, of Mile Cross in Norwich, who works in retail, said: “I am so proud of our decision to donate and I am immensely proud of our dad that he was able to do this for others.
“I feel really passionate about opening up the donation discussion between loved ones before you are faced with having to make these decisions for a family member.
“I did not realise how small the window of opportunity once the life support was removed was. It's an chance to turn an awful situation into a positive by being able to help others.
“It made me see how important it is to talk about these wishes early as it can take away a lot of pressure to make decisions during a really difficult time.
“Life can change in an instant. It’s easy to think, "That won't happen to my family” but the truth is, you never really know how your life could change. That’s why supporting organ donation matters so much.
A simple conversation with your loved ones about your wishes can make all the difference when it counts. One decision could save or transform someone else’s life.
“As a family who has been through significant tragic loss, I believe that the greatest gift you can give is life.
Reading about how we have helped the two gentlemen to hopefully extend and improve their quality of life really helps to bring us comfort.
It reminded us that even in his final moments, he was helping others, something that truly reflects the kind of person he was. We're so proud of him, and grateful his legacy lives on in such a powerful way.”