Farm crash teenager's organs save five lives

The parents of a 14-year-old crash victim whose organs were used to save five lives have said it was only possible because they discussed donation with him before he died.

Aaron Anderson, from Consett, died on Boxing Day after a vehicle overturned on a farm. A fortnight before that he had told parents Donna and Craig he supported organ donation.

The NHS, which wants people to discuss their preferences with family members, said 63 people in the north-east England and Yorkshire died last year while waiting for a transplant.

Meanwhile, the number of families consenting to organ donation dropped from 69% in 2020-21 to 57% in 2025-26.

The BBC previously reported concerns over the rising number of donations being blocked by families despite their loved ones giving consent.

Aaron, who was described by Mrs Anderson as a "cheeky chappy" and a "polite, lovely young man", had been with friends when a John Deere Gator overturned at a farm in Burnopfield.

He was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary with severe injuries where he died days later.

Mrs Anderson told the BBC the decision to agree to donation was easier knowing "that's what he would have wanted".

"I don't want anyone to go through this, I wouldn't wish this on anybody. It's horrific.

"Just getting up on a morning, just thinking is sometimes hard, but knowing Aaron has gone on to save five people, not just them but their families".

Dr Alan Sweenie, a clinical lead for donation, said waiting lists were reaching "record levels" at nearly 8,500 patients across the UK.

He said: "We need to get this message out because I really want people to make a decision.

"I don't mind if it's no, I'd rather it was yes."

He urged people to make their decision known via the organ donation register and to share it with family members to help prevent any "missed opportunities" from medics being unclear of a person's wishes.

One person can go on to "save or transform" up to nine lives, he said.

Mr Anderson said: "If you can help somebody at your darkest time... there's a little bit of light you have to take and help people.

"Aaron would have wanted that. Aaron lives on."

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