For their visit, the group of nine and ten-year-olds created colourful drawings highlighting the importance of organ donation before gathering at one of Organ Donation memorials and handing their artwork over to Trust colleagues.
Located in the main entrance of DRI, the memorial bears the names of people who made the selfless decision to become organ donors before their death, giving others the chance of a healthier future through the gift of life.
Jane Tute, Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Organ donation is a truly selfless act that can make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others. It is wonderful to see these pupils using their creativity to help start conversations about organ donation and remind people of the lasting impact a donor can have. We hope their artwork will encourage more people to talk to their loved ones about their wishes and make their decision known.”
The pupils’ drawings will be displayed in the new Department of Critical Care at DRI, which is due for completion in early 2027.
The artwork will provide a colourful reminder of the generosity of organ donors and the importance of having conversations about organ donation with loved ones.
Organ Donation Week is an annual campaign which encourages people to have conversations with their families and friends about organ donation and to make their decision known by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.
The week also celebrates the generosity of donors and their families, whose decisions continue to transform lives across the UK.
As part of the week, the Trust will host their annual memorial service, inviting the families and friends of organ donors to commemorate the passing of their loved ones and their selfless act of donating organs.
The pupils’ visit and artwork serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of talking openly about organ donation and the lasting difference one person’s decision can make.
Abbie Taylor, Assistant Headteacher at Plover School, said: “We were delighted to be invited to Doncaster Royal Infirmary to support Organ Donation Week. It gave our pupils the opportunity to learn about the incredible difference organ donation can make and to express those messages through their artwork.
“We’re incredibly proud that their drawings will be displayed in the new Department of Critical Care, where we hope they will encourage people to reflect on the importance of organ donation and the conversations we all need to have with our families. It’s been a really meaningful experience for our pupils, and we’re grateful to have been part of it.”
Having a conversation with family and friends about your wishes for organ donation is one of the most important steps, ensuring your loved ones understand and can support your decision.
It takes less than two minutes to confirm your decision about organ donation. Find out more by visiting the website www.organdonation.nhs.uk or by using the NHS App in England and Wales.
