THE family of a Whitehaven man whose organs were donated say they are ‘immensely proud’ to know that he was helping others in death.

Gary Bayliff, fondly known as ‘Chong’, was only 43 when he passed away following an accident in 2021. Gary’s family, from Whitehaven, had never had a conversation about organ donation but decided it is what he would have wanted.

Gary’s family have said they’re glad they did because Gary lives on through the lives that he saved.

Mel, Gary’s mum, said: “Gary was the third child of six - a happy, care free person who was very well loved by his family, his friends and most people who knew him.

“At the time of Gary’s death, it was the hardest decision to ever have to make. The doctor and nurses came in to the family room to explain to us that he was not going to make it. They asked if we wanted to donate his organs and left us to discuss it.

“All of the family were there and we talked about it and all had an input. Even though we were too upset to even think about the difference it would make to the recipient(s) we knew it was the right thing to do, and that one day when the grief wasn’t so raw that it would make us happy to know that Gary lives on in others.

“He helped three other people become well enough again to be able to enjoy life. Finding out the difference he made from the recipients of the organs made us all so proud. We know that Gary would be too.

“Hearing from the recipients was always going to be bitter sweet. It was a roller coaster of emotions receiving letters / cards from them all, but one of the recipients in particular made us really emotional with her thank you letter.

“The recipient explained that she is alive because of Gary and she promised to live her life to the fullest. She explained the impact not only to her but her partner too. It still makes me cry to read it, but at the same time, happy and proud. This young woman lives on because of Gary.

“When we discussed organ donation, we only really thought about the person receiving the organ, we had never thought about the positive impact it would have on their family too. It makes a difference to so many lives, not just the person receiving the organ.

“So for the three people who received the organs, not only did their lives improve but so did their families lives as a result.

“If there was anything positive we can take from Gary’s death then this is it. We lost our son and brother and that grief and pain will never go away, but the grief and pain will always be there regardless of what happened to Gary's organs, so why would we not take the opportunity to help other people.

“To know that he was still helping others in death makes us immensely proud.”