The subject of organ donation is a sensitive one at what is an already painful time. But for one grieving widow it has provided a great comfort. HELEN BACKWAY reports.

PATRICIA Smith's husband John battled throat cancer for a year before he died in May.

His death was painful but the "life-changing gift" of organ donation has given pride and comfort to his family.

The former Bexley Council worker was healthy until the beginning of last year, when he developed recurring illnesses.

A trip to Darent Valley Hospital led to cancerous cells in his throat being discovered.

Patricia said: "We're both positive people and we have a positive attitude. John's attitude was give it your best shot'."

Over the summer he underwent tests before having an operation at St Thomas' Hospital in November last year.

He then underwent extensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Guy's Hospital for about four weeks.

Patricia, of Spring Vale Close, Hextable, said: "The treatment was very traumatic. John did suffer horrifically.

"I was very, very lucky. He was very, very caring and took it all on the chin. He was concerned with how it would affect me."

Due to the throat cancer, John was being fed through his nose. A side-effect meant his body did not take in enough protein and he became very weak.

He was moved into a palliative care section of the hospital, where terminally-ill patients are made comfortable.

Patricia says John had just had enough.

She said: "It was devastating. A lot of patients have been through so much. They're so weak. They are not able to take any more."

The couple, who met at a walking club, had been married for 27 years.

Patricia said: "It was 27 good years. John and I were very fortunate to have our time in hospital.

"We had some good times, we had a sense of humour."

John, who had two children from a previous marriage, died on May 2 at the age of 79.

Patricia was already aware of John's views on organ donation.

She said: "I knew John wanted to be of benefit to someone else if it was possible."

Because of the cancer, only his eyes were suitable for transplant.

A few weeks after his death Patricia received a letter from the South Thames Transplant Co-ordination Service saying a 52-year-old man had received a cornea transplant.

He had been suffering from severe visual impairment but his sight had been restored.

John's other cornea would be used for reconstructive surgery in the future.

Patricia said: "It's a great comfort. If you can see the difference helping someone to see can make to them and their families."

The cause of John's cancer is a mystery as he was not a smoker.

By a bizarre twist of fate, his golfing friend and neighbour, Ken Willingham, was diagnosed with throat cancer and died nine months before John.

Patricia says of organ donation: "It's a big decision to make and I know it isn't an easy one but it does give comfort in the long term."

FIGURES FOR ORGAN DONATION

SINCE April 1 2006:

  • 278 people have donated organs.
  • An additional 643 people have donated corneas.
  • 825 people have received the gift of sight.
  • 825 people have received transplants.
  • 6,922 people are still waiting for transplants.
  • Every September a service is held at Southwark Cathedral for the families of those who have donated organs and tissue. This year the service will be taking place on September 16.
  • To join the organ donation register, visit uktransplant.org.uk