On 2nd April, we lost our beautiful daughter, Orla, in a tragic accident while she was travelling in Vietnam, completing the Ha Giang Loop with friends.

In the midst of unimaginable grief, we made the decision to donate Orla’s organs. She was young, vibrant, and full of life, and we know she would have wanted to help others. We later learned that she was the first Westerner in Vietnam to donate her organs, and through her incredible gift, she saved and transformed the lives of at least six people. We met three Vietnamese people who received her organs and it was a comfort to us that she will live on in others.

In memory of Orla, we are raising funds for We Are Donors.

We Are Donors is a UK-registered charity working to increase the number of organ and blood donors through student-led education in schools and universities. Their network of university groups raises awareness about the importance of donation by delivering talks and running events across the country. So far, they have spoken to over 20,000 young people about organ donation.

If we can inspire even one more person to consider organ donation, then Orla’s legacy will continue to make a difference in the most extraordinary way.

Thank you for your support.

Henrietta and Andrew Wates