Rachel Warden 1996 to 2008

[CraigW]

I am new to this forum.  It is a year since my daughter Rachel unexpectedly died on her last day of primary school.  She was aged 11 years.

From an early stage I had told her about my father who had a kidney transplant (26 years ago).  She had always said that if anything was to happen to her she would want her organs donated to people who were ill.  She was always a generous person and loved to live life. 

When she suddenly took ill at the end of June 2008 with a brain hemorrhage it came as a total shock.  The doctors and everyone tried their very best, however, it became very clear that she would not survive the day.  As we sat by the hospital bed my wife (who is a very experienced nurse) said "You know what they will ask". 
I said "no". 
"They will ask if we could give permission for Rachel to donate her organs" she said.  We sat there looking at each other and my son, said "That's what Rachel would want.  She always said it".
I approached the doctors with Rachel's and my families wishes.  They were gobsmacked to say the least.  Rachel died later on that night.  As she had a rare bloodgroup and was able to donate her two kidneys, Liver and her Pancreas.   

I have only had one letter back fro the recipient of one of her kidneys and pancreas.  He is doing really well.  I will always treasure this letter along with my memories of Rachel.

It was the worst day of my life seeing her die in front of me.  One year on nearly to the day I still hurt with the memories of that day.  However  I am so proud of her mature decision from someone so young.  It is good that something positive can be found from something so dreadfully negative.

Craig Warden

[julie]

I am so sorry Craig, Rachel must have been a wonderful and brave person to have even spoke about organ donation at such a young age and it was very brave of you and her mum to honour that. Words can not express how grateful we our to Abi's donor and her family and i hope you can find the smallest comfort in the lives Rachel helped save. Im sorry if my words are not right i can only begin imagine what you all have been through but thanks so much for posting on here.
Rachel Warden is a hero to remember
all our love
Julie and Abi

[Feline]

Craig welcome to Transplant Kids and thank you so so much for sharing your story,I am so sorry to hear of your loss...Rachel sounds like an amazing young lass,what a tremendous gift she has given...sadly gone too soon.. I had tears in my eyes reading your post..such moving story,I cannnot even begin to feel as you and your family must,we nearly lost our baby on numerous occasions but he's nearly a teenager thanks to his donor.
I am very fortunate that I have frequent communication with our son Aaron's donor Mum(as I call her) her son was just 10yrs old when he died tragically in a road accident,we are the only family who have continued contact there was initial contact from one other family. I am sure you will, like Aaron's donor family, find comfort in the knowledge that others are alive today thanks to Rachel's gift of life ...
huge hugs
Cat x

[Molly]

Welcome to Transplant Kids Craig. Thank your for sharing your story, I can't imagine how hard this last year must have been for you and your family, but I'm glad you've found a positive in the donation of Rachel's organs. She sounds like a very courageous girl to have even considered organ donation at such a young age.

I received a multi organ transplant 2 and a half years ago when I was aged 16. I know that I wouldn't be here now without my donor, so am eternally grateful to her and her family. I'm in regular contact with my donor's sister and she tells me how much it means to her parents to hear how well I am doing. My donor also died of a brain haemorrhage.

Hugs,
Moll x x

[jacqui1404]

Craig
I am so sorry to read of your loss of Rachel. My son Calvin died on 6 July 2008 after being hit by a van crossing a busy road near our home. He donated his heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas. We have had 2 letters and the recipient of one of his kidneys keeps in touch and remembered Cal's birthday.

Thinking of Rachel and her family at this time.
Jacqui
xx

[Emma]

Welcome to transplantkids Craig, thank you for sharing your story. It must have been such a difficult time for you and your family this past year.

I received a new heart in June last year, i know my time was running out and I'm so grateful for my donor as i know i wouldn't be where i am now.

Thinking of you,
Emma x x

[CraigW]

Thanks for all your kind thoughts.  It really means a lot.

Craig x   

[lulu]

hi craig,whot a very moving letter, life is very hard,being in your situation must be the hardest place to be but with generous people like you and your family our children have a chance to have a life and we can never begin to tell u how much this means to us thankyou seems such a small word but it comes from the bottom of our hearts xx ash xx

[CraigW]

Hi There,
Just to let you know the daily mail are running Rachels Story on Tuesday22/12/09.  I think it will be quite a big article.  The photographer has been to the houseand has taken some pics and copies of photos of Rachel.  When the story was published in a Scottish national paper in July the take up rate for donor cards went up quite a bit.  Fingers crossed the same will happen

Craig 

[Feline]

Hi Craig
Thanks for letting us know,I look forward to getting a copy and reading it. here's hoing more folks sign up as a result of reading it too.
I think we may finally meet if you are going to be involved with the launch of the schools packs?
Hope you are all doing fine,this must be a very tough time of year for you all...
huge hugs
Cat x

[CraigW]

Hi I have just heard that the editors chose not to run the story so close to Christmas as it was too sad.  I have been assured that the story will be in over the next few weeks.  It might make people make a new year resolution by registering.

I will keep the board updated

Cat I will be at the launch of the schools DVD.  I believe the date will be the 19/01/2010.  I look forward to meeting you

Craig

[Feline]

Interesting they felt it "too sad"...I know it is Craig, such a sad loss she left you far too soon, but you are proud to tell people of the wonderful gifts she gave to enable others to live on thanks to her knowing & telling her family that she wanted to be an organ donor. I hope her/your family's story gets printed soon...I did get the Daily Mirror on Tuesday but thought I mighta missed it..thanks for letting us know..be sure 'n' let us know when it does appear and see you in the New Year then
hugs
Cat x

[Molly]

Thanks for keeping us updated Craig, I hope that they run the story soon.

Take care,
Moll x x