A permanent reminder of the generosity of organ donors and their families is making its way around the country.
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The Launceston General Hospital is the latest site to host the Tree of Hope, a memorial sculpture featuring engraved metal leaves contributed by families in honour of their relative’s decision to donate.
Hospital chaplain Alan Bulmer said his family added a leaf to the tree in honour of his brother, Leslie, who died 21 years ago.
“He arrived at the hospital and there was nothing they could do. My mother and my brother were there, and they agreed for him to be an organ donor,” he said.
“I remember being at home when my mother received the letter from the hospital saying who benefitted from the donation, and the number of people was just phenomenal.
“She lit up. It just made her grief just that much more bearable.
“It’s a marvellous feeling. Your brother lives on in the people that he has donated to.”
Mr Bulmer said his brother was well-loved.
“My brother was someone that would do anything for anybody,” he said.
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“Apart from the fact that all those recipients received the gift of life, it got a lot of his friends talking [about donation] as well.”
Mr Bulmer said he used his knowledge and his experience with organ and tissue donation to help in his work at the hospital.
“It certainly helps me when we talk about turning the machines off in the hospital sometimes, and I can help talk to the families about what it meant to my family. It helps them make their decision a bit easier too.
“Out of tragedy, a lot of good things can come.”
DonateLife executive officer Davin Hibberd urged the community to take time to visit the sculpture and to reflect on the generosity of donors and their families.
“Something like the Tree of Hope, it’s about celebration and acknowledgment. It’s also about encouraging the community to be thankful for the families like Alan’s, and his brother who went on to change so many lives when he became a donor himself,” he said.
The Tree of Hope will be on display at the LGH until January 8.
To become an organ and tissue donor, register online at donatelife.gov.au.
To inquire about placing a leaf on the Tree of Hope, call DonateLife on 6270 2209.