Killyclogher man’s organs gave others the gift of life

THE family of a popular Killyclogher man who gave the gift of life to many patients have urged local people to become organ donors.

Eamon Bradley (63), the respected former Head of Art at Sacred Heart College, passed away on March 3, shortly before the Covid-19 lockdown.

Eamon, from Gleannan Brae, Killyclogher is the beloved husband of Geraldine and the father of two daughters, Sinead and Eimear.

During his final hours, Eamon’s family asked if they could donate his organs, and they were informed that Eamon was already on the organ donor register.

The Bradley family were recently contacted by a woman who received Eamon’s lungs in a lifesaving double lung transplant.

The woman had been waiting six and a half years for a transplant, and she thanked Eamon’s family for donating his organs.

Speaking to the UlsterHerald, Eamon’s daughter Sinead said, “It is still very bittersweet but it is truly an amazing gift to give anyone.

“This lady was waiting six and a half years on a transplant. Can you imagine getting that phonecall to say they had found a match?

“We donated everything that we could – even one of daddy’s kidneys went for medical research.

“He was an amazing man and we are all very proud of him,” said Sinead.

The family donated Eamon’s eyes and each eye gives the gift of sight to as many as five people.

Parts of Eamon’s heart are also being used, which can help new born babies.

This week is organ donation week, and Sinead is speaking out in the hope of increasing awareness of the importance of becoming an organ donor.

She has urged anyone who is not on the register, to sign up.

Sinead continued, “Everyone should sign up to be an organ donor and I definitely think that they should discuss it with their families too.

“It is a very difficult decision to make and a lot of families find it very hard to go ahead with organ donation but having the conversation first will help.

“It is so important that you tell your family that you do feel strongly about it and your wishes will be followed through.

“I hope as many people as possible will sign up because it can completely change someone’s life and their families lives.

“We never know when we will need a donation, so everyone should be registered,” concluded Sinead.

• To become an organ donor, register online at www.organdonation.nhs.uk or www.organdonationni.info or call the NHS Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23.