Britain's Youngest Organ Donor 'Died A Hero'

By Yahoo News

The parents of Britain's youngest organ donor say their son "lived and died a hero" after the infant's kidneys saved the life of a patient with renal failure.

Doctors told mother Jess Evans during her 12th week of pregnancy that one of the twin sons she was carrying suffered a fatal condition which stops the brain and skull from developing.

She and her fiance Mike Houlston were told their baby would either be stillborn or die shortly after birth.

In an interview with the Daily Mirror, the couple from Cardiff said they decided to allow the infant's kidneys and heart valves to be donated to save the lives of others.

The twins, Teddy and Noah Houlston, were born in April 2014. Teddy died just 100 minutes after birth.

The couple told the newspaper that Teddy's kidneys have since been used to save the life of a patient with renal failure.

"He lived and died a hero. It's impossible to explain how proud we are of him," Mr Houlston said.

Ms Evans added: "Although he wasn't with us very long, and we brought him into the world knowing there was no hope of a life for him, we are incredibly proud of his heroism.

"We hope Teddy's story will inspire families who find themselves in the position of losing a child. Knowing part of your loved one is living on in someone else is comforting."

Dr Paul Murphy, from NHS Blood and Transplant, said Teddy's donation was "exceptional".

"Every donation is inspirational. It is a selfless act of heroism. But Teddy's story is exceptional.

"He was the youngest organ donor in the UK."

Ms Evans and Mr Houlston are raising money for the charity 2 Wish Upon A Star , which provides services for bereaved parents.