Transplant Unit

Many people wish to find out a little about their donor. As we promise your donor's family that confidentiality will be maintained, you will be told minimal information in the first instance. If you wish, you will be told your donor's age, and their cause of death.

Most families of donors are extremely grateful to receive a letter from the recipient (or a member of their family ). Your transplant co-ordinator will be very happy to answer any questions you may have, and pass on any letters to the donor’s family.

The decision to write to your donor's family is a personal choice. It may be the most difficult letter you have had to write. However it may help you to know that many donor families express appreciation for cards and letters they receive from recipients and their families.

If you do decide to write a letter or card the following suggestions may help you

• Use your first name
• Mention your family or friends
• Mention your hobbies or interests
• Write about how your lifestyle was affected by organ failure and its treatment
• Say how long you waited for your transplant
• Explain the benefit of transplantation for your lifestyle and health
• Show how much this means to you and your family or friends
• You may wish to thank your donor's family for the unique gift they have given you
• Try to keep the language simple and sincere
• Be aware that your donor's family freely decided to donate their loved one's organs to benefit others

• All letters should be sent to your recipient transplant coordinator for forwarding to the donor family. This is a confidential service.

Please remember that replies may take weeks or months due to the individual grieving patterns of the donor family.