In 2003, 20-year-old Aaron ‘Azza’ Nicholls was on a surfing trip with friend Alistair Adams, when the car they were travelling in crashed, rolled and burst into flames.

Both men were fatally injured in the crash. 

For Mrs Polley, that night was the worst night of her life.

She said the only light at the end of a “very long tunnel” came when she learnt her son had elected to be an organ donor. 

In the years that have since passed, Mrs Polley has devoted a lot of her time to sharing her son’s story as part of the Launceston Human Library, which this month is celebrating its 10^th anniversary. 

A program aimed at breaking down stereotypes and celebrating diversity through story telling, Mrs Polley is one of about 70 ‘human books’ who have participated since its inception in 2008.

Mrs Polley said sharing her son’s story was an important way of keeping his legacy alive, while also dealing with her own grief. 

“It [Launceston Human Library] is a beautiful program,” Mrs Polley said. 

“Listening to other books, I think it is a timely reminder that you see people – you might sit next to them or pass them on the street – but you never really know a person’s story. 

“We see other people, but we don’t know what they have experienced until we listen to their stories.”

Titled ‘Azza a Life Well Lived’, as a human book Mrs Polley tells the story of her son’s life, the night she found out he had been in an accident and the aftermath of his death. 

This includes his decision to become an organ donor and the connection Mrs Polley has since formed with his recipients. 

“Aaron was just 18 when he signed up to be a donor and we had no idea until after he had died,” she said. 

“His heart lives on in a middle aged man, his kidney in a 50-ish year-old male, his liver in a grandmother and his lungs gave a young lady nine more years of life. 

“I hope that by sharing his story it might get people thinking about organ donation. If it opens up a communication channel, then I think it is very worthwhile.”

Next Sunday, DonateLife will host its annual Tasmanian service of remembrance at Hagley’s Quamby Estate.

The service is in honour of all those who have been part of the organ and tissue donation and transplant journey. 

Mrs Polley has attended a service every year since Aaron’s death and said she knows it’s what he would have wanted. 

“I remember Aaron saying straight up – what good are my organs to me if I am dead,” she said. 

“He always did things because it was the right thing to do. Every family needs to have that conversation. It is so important.”