A much-loved dad who died after being attacked on a night out with his girlfriend has been honoured with an award for organ donation.
Danny Humble had been enjoying his first night out since lockdown restrictions eased in May 2021 and was walking home with his girlfriend when he was attacked by a group of teenagers. The 35-year-old, from Cramlington, tragically died from his injuries.
His mum Deb explained that she "couldn't bear to think that was it for Danny", so with the consent of family spoke about the option of organ donation with nurses at the hospital. She knew Danny agreed with organ donation following a previous conversation they had together and was aware that her son had been fit and healthy.
Read more: Danny Humble's devastated partner and parents speak of their agony as Cramlington killers locked up
Now, Danny was able to help four people by donating his liver, kidneys and pancreas, with Danny's liver being split to help a child and an adult. And Deb recently had the pride of collecting the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant, on behalf of her son.
Deb said: "We are so proud of Danny. His certificate and medal will be kept in his memory box to share with his children when they are older so they can understand more about his legacy and the amazing gifts that Danny gave to others."
She added: "Me and Danny were really close. We would walk for miles with his kids and discussed all sorts.
"We spoke about organ donation on one of these walks and I knew Danny agreed with it. I was on the register but don't think Danny had ever joined. Danny did join the bone marrow register after his best friend’s sister needed a transplant.
"[When Danny died] our world was torn apart but I couldn't bear to think that was it for Danny. He was a fit healthy strong man – I couldn't bear to think of the waste or futility, so I approached the hospital staff with Danny's father and brothers and asked them about organ donation."
Deb said the organ donation nurses who were lovely and kept the family updated throughout the whole process and were very thoughtful.
Thousands of families are also receiving the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation across the UK, at regional ceremonies or privately. More than 4,000 people donated their organs after death in 2019, 2020 and 2021, leading to around 10,000 patients' lives being saved or transformed over those three years.
Deb said: "Danny was a wonderful son, he worked as a welder and was a real Cramlington lad who was building a lovely life for himself. He loved Newcastle United, music, family, he was always playing pranks and always found something to smile about.
"Receiving the award on behalf of Danny was lovely. The ceremony was heart-warming and dignified and helped me understand how rare organ donation is."
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "The pride families feel at these moving ceremonies truly is inspirational. Transplant patients tell us that organ donors and their families are heroes and the Order of St John award is a chance for us all to recognise them and their amazing contribution to society.
"We hope these awards will inspire other people in Tyne and Wear to tell their families they want to save lives. Being clear with your family about what you want makes things easier at a difficult time, leave them certain about your organ donation decision.
"Families say donation is a source of pride that helps them in their grief and we want to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to donate and save lives. Please tell your family about your organ donation decision and join the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk."
Read next:
