AHEAD of his 14th birthday next week, the parents of Oisín McGrath took the opportunity to highlight National Transplant Week by attending the unveiling of a piece of artwork at (South West Acute Hospital) on Tuesday.

Oisín lost his fight for life at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast having spent four days on a life support machine following an incident at St Michael’s College earlier this year.

Despite the unbearable pain of losing their son, Nigel and Sharon made the decision to donate Oisín’s organs and as a result, saved five other people’s lives.

They were among a number of families who attended the unveiling of ‘Gifting Life, Giving Hope’ at SWAH.

“We wanted to be there at the launch of this special piece of artwork because we feel that it is a fitting tribute to donors and to donor families,” they explained.

“To us as a family it is so important that Oisín is remembered and that the Oisín ripples keep on moving out and touching people. The fact that Oisín gave the gift of life to five people does not change or lessen the pain of losing him but there are five families out there now whose lives have been changed forever because of Oisín and who are now not facing the pain that we are. “The gift of life is a precious gift and if organ donation would have saved Oisín, we would have grabbed it with both hands.” Nigel and Sharon said they had been touched by the powerful symbolism of the artpiece.

It is inspired by the journey of migratory wild swans as they take flight and focuses on their feathers gently floating to earth signifying the gift of life and hope. Feathers in many cultures symbolises ascension and spiritual progression.

“The art work itself is a beautiful and fitting memorial to those we have lost as well as a reminder of the gift of life that they have given to so many,” said Sharon and Nigel, “The powerful symbolism of the white feathers, the clouds and the sky serving to remind us of our loved ones and also that the universe is so much bigger than any of us. “We feel that bereaved families will be able to relate to the imagery within the artwork and hope that it might encourage people to sign the organ donor register. The launch was very timely as it is National Transplant Week but also personally for us as Oisín’s birthday is next week and it is another extremely difficult time. Finally, we wanted to show our support for all the amazing work being carried out by the staff at the South West Acute Hospital, the Western Trust and the NI Organ donation team. We want to be able to help in any way that we can by promoting Organ Donation awareness through the Oisín McGrath Foundation. It is so important to keep raising awareness of how imperative organ donation is, in helping to save lives and in allowing people to lead normal lives. We encourage everyone to have the conversation with their families around organ donation and to make their wishes known.” ‘Giving Life’ Giving Hope’ was commissioned by the Western Trust Organ Donation Committee and created by artist, Brónagh Corr-McNicholl, to publicly acknowledge the selfless act of donating organs and tissues and to commemorate and give recognition to organ donors and the families of donors.

It is hope the piece will also inspire people to register as organ donors.

Gerard Guckian, Chairman of the Western Trust, who officiated the unveiling, said: “There is no gift that any human can bestow on another that is greater than the gift of life. The ‘Gifting Life, Giving Hope’ artwork is a powerful symbol of our appreciation to the generosity of those who have donated their organs and their families and a reminder to the rest of us what a difference such actions make.” Dr Declan Grace, Lead Clinician for Organ Donation at the Western Trust commented: “I hope people will pause to admire these beautiful pieces of artwork and remember the wonderful contribution of individuals and their families who, at a time of great loss and suffering, commit to saving the lives of others through organ donation.

“We want to encourage people to consider and discuss organ donation. If you want your organs to be available for donation it is important that you indicate your wishes with the people closest to you. One donor can save the lives of several people and improve the quality of life for many more.

As part of this year’s overall awareness campaign, people have been encouraged to use the hashtag #sayidonate in relevant tweets or posts on social media websites.

To sign up to the organ donor register or for more information visit Organ Donation Northern Ireland: www.organdonationni.info