In memory of Jessica Wales 1989 - 2010.
Jessica
Wales did more in her 20 years than most people do in a lifetime. Born with the
progressive lung disease Cystic Fibrosis, she had a daily regime of medication
to keep her lungs as free from infection as possible, but still went about life
with a smile on her face. In 2005, Jess was told that her lungs had become so
badly damaged she would need a double lung transplant to survive.
Knowing
that there was a shortage of Organ Donors, Jess threw her energies into
campaigning and raising the profile of organ donation by sharing her story with
anyone who would listen. Through her honest and frank interviews, Jess inspired
millions and was regularly featured in the media across the UK. Her appearance
on Noel's HQ on Sky1 prompted over 2000 viewers to sign the Organ Donor
Register that same evening. Jess always used her own situation to try to help
others, appearing in a video for the LIV appeal which succeeded in raising £2
million to go towards finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, knowing the cure
would not come in time to save her.
Despite
being given just 2 years to live in 2005, Jess managed to cling on for four and
half years before a call for her transplant came just after Christmas 2009. On
Tuesday 12th January 2010, Jessica Wales lost her battle. Her transplant had
come too late, and her body not strong enough to survive post-transplant
complications.
Jess
believed strongly in organ donation and championed it through her work as an
advocate for the charity Live Life Then Give Life. For this reason, her family
has requested that those who wish to donate in her memory do so towards the
work of this National Organ Donation Awareness Charity.
Jess
taught us that we all have the power to make a difference; your donation will
help ensure that her legacy never dies.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
