A clever and compassionate 13-year-old who died from a brain haemorrhage has saved the lives of eight people and will help another two regain their sight.
Lively and mature Jemima Layzell had already discussed death and said she wished to be an organ donor.
Jemima Layzell, who decided she wanted to be an organ donor before she died. Her wish has given a new lease of life to ten people
And yesterday her parents and Harvey and Sophy and sister Amelia, from Horton, near Ilminster, Somerset, detailed the lives transformed by Jemima’s generosity.
A five-year-old boy received her heart; a 14-year-old got her lungs; her liver was split between a 10-month-old boy and one aged five.
Two people, aged 24 and 19, received her kidneys; a 40-year-old received her pancreas and her small bowel went to change the life of a boy aged three and a half. Eye tissue will restore the sight of two people.
Mr and Mrs Layzell and Jemima’s grandparents told of their “beloved and courageous” daughter and granddaughter’s love of life. They said Jemima loved Taunton School and “regarded learning as an exciting part of life’s challenges and pleasures.”
She collapsed and lost consciousness at home on March 10 while her family prepared to celebrate her mother’s birthday.
Jemima’s family praised paramedics for their “exceptional” response: “swift, efficient and with genuine care.” They added: “We were also amazed by the dedication of all the staff at Musgrove Hospital, Frenchay Hospital, and the Bristol Children’s Hospital.”
They described Jemima, who died on March 14 as: “a brilliant artist” who “planned to be an author and left many poems, songs, stories and also serious thoughts about her life and the world’s problems and delights.
Extracts from her diary were read at her funeral and many people have suggested that her family publish them, something they are considering.
“Jemima was ambitious, but always gentle and modest, and she would be very proud to have her work published,” they said.
A memorial service will be held at Taunton School Chapel at 4pm on May 21.
Her family said: “It is so sad and we all miss her terribly and it seems such a waste of wonderful potential, but Jemima’s short life was so full of joy and achievement and finally such generosity – to be celebrated and always remembered.”
EXTRACT FROM JEMIMA’S DIARY
I’m still lying here. I’ve been thinking about what I want to be when I’m older. I used to want to be a princess or a spy! Then I began to think more realistically and wanted to be an artist. Then an architect now I would quite like to be an author and rather fancy the idea of being a fashion designer. But I guess I just don’t know yet. You see I don’t care for flashy cars, or expensive jewellery. I have no interest in designer clothes or magazines and heavy makeup. I won’t be drinking and gossiping in some bar, hanging out with guys I don’t know, totally obsessed with money and sex. I don’t care what others may say. I won’t be crying in some corner.
Courtesy: http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk
AN APPEAL
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