'My late husband's organs transformed the lives of four people'

"Arlene Hutchinson's husband, Mark, was only 52 when he died unexpectedly last year after suffering two strokes "out of the blue". Like many couples they had never discussed organ donation but she knew it was what he would have wanted. Now Arlene and son Jack, 12, take comfort in the knowledge that Mark has helped transform the lives of others."

"She said: "He lives on in four people. That can only be a good thing." Arlene and Jack, who live near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, hope that their story encourages people to speak about the sensitive subject before it is too late. They also want to raise awareness about strokes. Hutchinson family Arlene, 51, who works in marketing, met Mark in 2004. He worked in behavioural health and safety but they did not become a couple until 2007."

Mark died at 52 after suffering two sudden strokes, leaving his wife Arlene and son Jack to cope with unexpected bereavement. The family had a healthy lifestyle and had not discussed organ donation beforehand, but Arlene proceeded with donation knowing Mark would have wanted it. Mark's organs were donated and have helped four people, which provides comfort to the family. Arlene describes sudden stroke symptoms including a numb tongue, slurred speech and facial droop, and emergency hospital treatment for a blood clot. The family hopes to encourage conversations about organ donation and increase stroke awareness.

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