Teen's organ donation left a lasting legacy after crash

A 17-year-old who died in a 2016 car crash donated organs that helped four people, and her mother is urging others to make their wishes known as officials note the transplant waiting list remains high.

A teenager who died in a 2016 car crash in North Somerset donated several organs that went on to help four people. Her mother says the outcome followed the teen having clearly expressed her wishes. Officials from NHS Blood and Transplant and hospital leads have spoken about high demand for transplants and the role of family consent under current rules. Key facts: - Fi Braidwood, 17, died in March 2016 in Banwell, North Somerset; her liver, kidneys, lungs and small intestine were donated and helped four people in end-of-life care. - Vicki Caldwell, the donor's mother, said approving the donation was the only easy decision on a very difficult day and described it as an "incredible legacy." - NHS figures cited in the article report 8,242 people on the transplant waiting list in the UK, that about 40% of people in England have a registered donation decision, and that on average one person dies each day waiting for a transplant. - England moved to a system of presumed consent for organ donation on 20 May 2020, but the article notes families are still consulted and often make the final decision; when families know a loved one's wishes, clinicians say donation proceeds at higher rates. Summary: The donation from the teenager is described as having saved four lives and is presented by her family and officials as a lasting legacy. Undetermined at this time.