A ROSE has been named in honour of Studley man Jim Lynskey who died this month last year while awaiting a heart transplant.
Called Save9Lives after Jim’s campaign, every penny raised from its sale will go to further its work.
Jim was just 23 when he passed away on May 13, 2019.
A change in the law, which became effective this week, and which presumes adults have agreed to donate their organs when they die, came too late to save his life.
The rose shares the same vibrant pink colour as the campaign’s logo and is the work of David White, owner of World of Roses, and his daughter Francesca.
Jim started Save9Lives – that’s how many lives one person can save from donating their organs when they die – in 2015.
The beautiful Save9Lives rose.
When he was two weeks old, Jim and his twin sister, Grace, contracted viral meningitis.
Whilst Grace made a full recovery, Jim suffered from an enlarged and weakened heart – and his family were advised he would eventually need a heart transplant.
Throughout his short life Jim suffered a series of cardiac arrests and debilitating illnesses which in the end left him reliant on a mechanical pump to keep him alive.
Despite this he championed Save9Lives, a movement dedicated to supporting the NHS in encouraging people to talk about organ donation.
He promoted the campaign through sports, music and media, working with best-selling artist Lewis Capaldi on the music video for Someone You Loved, as well as author Susan Lewis on her novel One Minute Later.
Jim’s mother Collette said: “Every passing of someone much loved, is a story of a truly special person.
“Jim was that person to us, putting his own troubles aside to help the 6,000 plus others on the transplant waiting list.
“Save9Lives puts the spotlight on the need to have the conversation and make a difference to those that wait and hope for a second chance at life.”
The Save9Lives rose is available to order online from World of Roses for £14.99 for a potted rose, and £19.99 for potted and gift wrapped. The rose will arrive in bud and can be planted outside and watered regularly to maintain long-term. See https://www.worldofroses.com/
If any school would like to host an educational seminar or find out more about the charity’s workshops, email: [email protected]
