A HEROIC mum who died after a sudden bleed on the brain helped save more than four lives by donating her organs, including newborn babies.

Rosemarie Jameson sadly passed away at the beginning of this year, but had spoken to her family about her wishes to donate her organs to help make a difference in others’ lives.

The 45-year-old was rushed to the Cardiothoracic Centre at Basildon Hospital on New Year’s Day after collapsing at work. It was soon discovered she had suffered a sudden bleed on the brain.

Following a brain scan and numerous tests, Rosemarie died four days later, much to the shock of her loved ones.

Generally fit and healthy, her liver, kidneys and a large area of skin from her back went to three people on the UK Transplant waiting list, while sections of her heart were given to several newborn babies with heart defects.

Partner, David Runcorn, from Stanford-le-Hope, said: “I know Rosemarie would be proud of the donations as it’s not just one person’s life she has changed, she’s also had an impact on their friends and family – it has a ripple effect.

“It has helped give us some comfort that she has helped so many other people. More people need to know what a difference organ donation can make.”

The couple have a 17-year-old daughter, Sophie, who was proud that her mum was giving back, even after her death.

David believes it is vital that families have conversations about organ donation sooner rather than later, so that when the time comes family members are certain about what is wanted.

As part of Organ Donation Week, the 54-year-old is pleading with the public to take action and have those important conversations with loved ones about organ donation.

He said: “When the nurses came to talk to me and Sophie shortly after her passing, there was no hesitation on our part.

“We knew deep down that’s what she would have wanted and we’ve also had conversations about organ donation as a family.”

Donors at Basildon are given a leaf on a memorial tree, with the leaf hung proudly in their memory.

The tree, which features a leaf bearing Rosemarie’s name, sits outside a ward in the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre.

David said: “It’s a tree of life, and everyone else on it, like Rosemarie, has helped save and touch the lives of so many other people.

“And as much as we miss her each and every day, and would still love her to be here, we are deeply proud to say that is part of her legacy.”

This year’s Organ Donation Week runs until Sunday.

Calling for more awareness, David said: “Not enough people know about organ donation. It’s not promoted as much as it should be, especially with the good it can do to people’s lives.”

Visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk/