A new memorial bench has been unveiled at Calderglen Park, in tribute to the selfless Lanarkshire heroes who have given the gift of life through organ donation.
The bench, which was unveiled prior to Organ Donation Awareness Week, it is in addition to the benches located at Chatelherault Country Park and Drumpelier Park.
The beautiful and meaningful bench, dedicated to those who have donated organs, stands as a symbol of gratitude and hope for the countless lives that have been saved through their generosity.
Diane Bowler, specialist nurse, organ donation, said: “The park bench is not just a piece of furniture. It’s a symbol of hope and compassion. The bench honours those who have donated their organs and their families, without whom countless others would not have a chance at life.
“This bench celebrates the precious gift of life.
“The bench will provide a serene and contemplative space for donor families, donor recipients and park visitors to reflect on the profound impact of organ donation and to pay thanks to the donors.”
To find out more about organ donation, visit: https://www.organdonation.scot/
Brian’s story
One of those family members who attended the unveiling was Brian Ross. Brian’s wife Millie donated her organs 10 years ago and in turn saved the lives of three people.
Brian, from East Kilbride, said: “Millie was the love of my life. We were together for thirteen years and married for eight years.
“I have three children of my own from a previous marriage. And Millie also had two daughters. Her girls were an extra bonus. I get on great with them and they mean as much to me as my own children. So I have five children in total.
“When Millie went to bed on the Saturday night she was ok. But when she woke up on the Sunday morning, she was struggling to breathe. We called for an ambulance right away and were told to give her inhalers and aspirin in the meantime. However, the inhalers weren’t doing anything for her.
“When she was leaving to go in the ambulance, she collapsed.
“Her last words to me were to say that she knew she was dying.”
Brian and Millie had previously discussed organ donation and had decided, that when the time came, they would donate their organs.
Brian added: “Millie hadn’t been breathing for fifteen minutes and it was clear she wouldn’t make a recovery. We were approached about organ donation. There is never an easy time for these things to be spoken about. We discussed it as a family, and everyone agreed it was the right thing to do. And as a family, we wanted to fulfil Millie’s decision.
“She donated three organs – two kidneys and her liver. We received an update that Millie’s organs did save the lives of three other people.
“She gave them the ultimate gift – the gift of life.”
Brian’s family live close to Calderglen Park and will be able to visit the bench regularly and have their moments to reflect on Millie’s life.
Brian regularly visits the bench at Chatelherault Country Park. He said: “It’s a beautiful place, under a large sycamore tree. From the bench you can see the full view of Hamilton. It’s a stunning spot.
“It’s the perfect place for me to visit and remember Millie.”
Catie’s story
Two years ago, Catie Byrne and her partner Alen spent the weekend celebrating their 17th anniversary with a romantic meal and enjoying each other’s company.
Only a few days later, she was faced with confirming Alen’s wishes to be an organ donor.
Catie, from Uddingston, said: “Alen was a healthy 47-year-old. However, one day I came home from work and found Alen lying on the floor. I called an ambulance and had to do CPR until the ambulance got to us.
“It was so traumatic; I had never experienced anything like this in my life before.
“At the hospital I was told that Alen had a severe brain haemorrhage. They did tests and scans to see how significant the damage had been and they unfortunately found that there was no brain activity. He was gone.”
When Catie was approached by the organ donation team to ask what Alen’s thoughts were on organ donation, there was never any doubt in her mind about what he would have chosen to do.
Catie said: “We had talked about organ donation years ago where we both said we would be organ donors. We didn’t have a big informed decision; it was just our instinct that we would like to donate when the time came.
“Alen donated his heart, liver and kidneys. His heart wasn’t a match for someone in need. However, his kidneys and liver saved the lives of three separate people.
“I like to think that a part of him lives on. He gave three other people the chance to have a full life that they wouldn’t have been able to have without his donation.
“Alen was my hero. I loved him so much. Now he is my superhero.”
Shortly after Alen died, Catie took a walk to Chatelherault Country Park and sat on the bench paying tribute to organ donors in Lanarkshire.
Catie added: “I wanted Alen to be honoured by having his name on that bench.
“The bench at Chatelherault is a peaceful place to sit. The view is stunning. The bench at Drumpelier is in a secluded peaceful area where you can see the water.
“On both benches I can sit and have time to think. And I remember how awesome he was for what he did.
“The memorial bench is important for those who have lost someone. Everyone else’s lives go back to normal. But you are still in grief.
“Those who have donated organs have given life to people who wouldn’t have had it. They are heroes. Alen was one of those heroes. An absolute legend.”
