Ross Bentley Friday, September 6, 2013 1:03 PM
The family of nine-month old baby girl who died in a car crash have been praised for their bravery in allowing her organs to be donated to medicine.
Diamond Roberts, from Colchester, was airlifted from the scene of a two car collision in Thorrington, on the B1027 Clacton Road, on Friday August 23 but died later that day in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge as a result of her injuries.
Yesterday, Diamond’s mother, who has asked to remain anonymous, paid tribute to her daughter and spoke of how the decision to donate her organs would provide some comfort to the grieving family.
She said: “My daughter Diamond was truly a shining star, we only had her for nine precious months but in this time she changed so many people’s lives with her happy smiley face.
“She had three precious sisters who adored her and would have done anything for her.
“Her gift of organ donation means she has saved other people’s lives and we will take comfort from the fact she will live on because of this.
“She will be missed by many, her mummy and sisters will never forget her.”
Paula Watson, a specialist organ donation nurse with NHS Blood and Transplant, said the family’s “incredibly generous gift” could possibly help save the lives of nine other children.
She said: “Organ donation is immensely important, as three people die every single day waiting for a life saving organ transplant; this number includes children as well as adults
“The decision to allow a loved one to donate their organs is an incredibly generous gift and is tremendously brave, given the devastating loss that a family face.
“Nobody likes to think of a child dying it is undoubtedly one of the most difficult things that a parent will face, but knowing that organ donation is the only positive thing to come from this tragedy is often what makes parents say yes to donation.”
She added: “One donor, adult or child can save up to nine lives. It is rare for a child to die but sadly it does happen, therefore organ donation from children is rare but incredibly significant for both donor families and recipients. Children who are on the transplant waiting list often need an organ that is from someone of the same size which is why organ donation from a child is so significant.”
The three other children – all girls – were taken to Colchester General Hospital, along with a man, as a result of the collision a fortnight ago. All have since been released.
A 61-year-old man from St Osyth was arrested at the scene on suspicion of careless driving causing injury and has been released on police bail until December 2 pending further inquiries.
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