Skateing champ's family thanked (From Barry And District News)

Skateing champ's family thanked

RICHARD Taylor's family have been thanked for their "shining example of selflessness" in the decision to donate his organs.

The 23-year old British In-line Skating champion was killed in an accident on Tuesday August 3, but had discussed organ donation with his father John and mother Gaynor, both 53 years before.

Chairman of the National Kidney Research Fund's Helena's Hope Campaign, Helena Jones, paid tribute to the family's courage to make that crucial choice.

She said: "My thoughts are with the Taylor family - and my heartfelt thanks go to them for making a brave but vital decision to allow their son's organs to be used to save and improve the lives of many other people.

"I hope their shining example of selflessness stands as a beacon to others faced with a similar decision at such a difficult time."

Richard's friends are taking up donor cards in memory of the Romilly Road resident. His father John said: "It's good to know Richard's life will give hope to so many people."

The National Kidney Research Fund found 75% of families refuse permission, but the majority almost immediately regret their decision.

Helena Jones, whose four out of five children have kidney disease, added: "During National Transplant Week in July, a young mother made a simple but true statement. She said people should ask themselves if they would be prepared to accept an organ donation and if the answer is yes then they should also be prepared to become a donor.

"I have since adopted that statement and made it a key message of Helena's Hope because hundreds of people die waiting for a transplant and it's vital that everyone who has decided to be a donor has the opportunity to save the lives of others."

For more information on the National Kidney Research Fund's Helena's Hope campaign visit www.nkrf.org.uk/helenashope. To register as a donor call 0800 60 60 400, or visit www.uktransplant.org.uk.

Richard Taylor's funeral will be held today at High Street's Trinity Church at 1.45pm