‘My daughter’s life wasn’t a waste because she saved so many others’

Debbie Young says her daughter’s organs have helped save three lives. Now she is urging others to make plans to donate

Debbie Young, 53 with daughter Raechel Waterston, 20 in Edinburgh 2021. (NHS Scotland / SWNS)

A mother who donated her daughter’s organs after her death saving three lives has urged families to discuss plans for donation.

Debbie Young, 53, was heartbroken when Raechel Waterston suffered a fatal seizure.

Doctors informed the family there was no brain activity and Raechel passed away six days before her 21st birthday.

Debbie bravely asked NHS staff to donate Raechel’s organs, knowing that she could potentially save lives.

Debbie’s decision allowed three people to receive life-saving heart and kidney transplants, as well as restoring the sight of a person in need of an eye transplant.

Now, as part of Organ and Tissue Donation Week, Debbie is urging families to discuss organ donation and make sure they know their wishes – as donation could save multiple lives.

“I wish Raechel was here beside me every day, but it’s a comfort that I could honour her love of helping others, even at the end of her life,” said Debbie, from Edinburgh.

“Raechel had learning difficulties and autism, and she was sunshine in human form, she thought everyone was her best friend.

“She loved bowling, films, and interpretative dance. If everyone was like my daughter, the world would be an amazing place.

“Her favourite film character was Wednesday Addams, so my family and I chose to say goodbye to her on Wednesday at 10pm, which was her bedtime.

“We wished her goodnight and told her we loved her like we usually did. I was the last one to leave the room and it was the hardest thing I ever had to do – to walk away while she was still breathing.”

Now, two years on, Debbie is still struggling to come to terms with her loss.

She has decided to tell her and Raechel’s story to spread awareness of the importance of organ donation – and has even contacted Raechel’s organ recipients.

“I wrote a letter to tell them a little about my daughter. I warned them that they might start liking High School Musical, because she was obsessed with it,” said Debbie.

“I’ve heard from one recipient, and it’s been such a relief knowing that Raechel saved someone’s life.

“I would really encourage everyone to register their organ donor selections online and to speak to their loved ones about this decision.

“If your death can help someone else to live, why wouldn’t you want to do that?

“My daughter’s life wasn’t a waste because she saved so many others and I think that’s an incredible feat.”

A spokesperson from NHS Lothian said: “It is hugely important that people make the decision to sign up to the organ donor register and then discuss it with their families.

“Debbie knew right away that her daughter would want to make a difference in her death, just as she had throughout her whole life.”

“Although Scotland now has an opt-out policy, it’s still really important to outline what organs you would be happy to donate on the organ donor register.

“You could help up to nine people if you decide to donate all your organs but having those conversations with your family is crucial.”