A YEAR after a life-giving schoolgirl's tragic death her parents are urging organ donors to follow her example.

Joanne Gorringe died from a brain haemorrhage on April 16 - Easter Sunday - last year and her dying wish was that others should benefit from her misfortune.

The nine year-old Tyldesley girl's major organs were transplanted to give the gift of life to four perilously ill youngsters.

Now, this week, on the anniversary of her death, transplant organisers are concerned about a drastic fall in the number of donors.

So far this year in the North West Regional Health Authority area kidney transplants have dropped by nearly half the normal numbers. Yet there are 460 kidney patients on the waiting list for transplants.

Which has prompted Joanne's parents, Joe and Florence Gorringe of Coniston Road, Tyldesley, to urge donors to come forward.

Mr Gorringe said: "Twelve months have passed and since we gave permission for her organs to be used.

"I can still picture Joanne and hear her saying 'If I die, dad, you must donate my heart to someone'.

"The four people who have her organs are still alive - part of Joanne is still alive and we are glad we allowed her organs to be transplanted.

"Joanne donated her organs and saved four lives - why can't you?"

CALL the National Donor Register free on 0800 555777.

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