A teenager who was tragically killed in a car crash has saved the life of another young person after donating his heart.
Joseph Callender, 17, was severely injured after the car he was travelling in as a passenger collided with a tree near in Marwood, near Barnard Castle last Wednesday (January 25).
He was rushed to James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, where he spent four days in intensive care before friends and family came to say their final goodbyes.
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And now, Joseph’s grieving family have paid a touching tribute to him, after last week’s tragic incident.
They said: “At 1.13pm on Sunday, our lives as a family changed forever - our beautiful boy Joseph Callender lost his battle following the horrific incident he was involved in on Wednesday.
“He was given a small chance by the amazing efforts of the emergency services, especially the HEMS doctor who got him to James Cook Hospital, the team at the trauma unit who fought so hard to save his life and the absolutely fantastic members of the Intensive Care Unit that were by his side constantly and who treated him flawlessly and with the dignity he so deserved. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain.
“We are just grateful that they were able to give us the time we needed as a family to be with him and give us all, along with his best friends the chance to say our goodbyes, for that we will be eternally grateful.”
Despite their sheer grief at losing Joseph, the family explained how they can take a small amount of solace knowing his heart has saved the life of another.
“A small consolation is that Joseph had registered as an organ donor and we were informed that his huge heart has gone on to give another boy the greatest gift he could, the chance of life,” the family’s statement read.
“We are beyond devastated by the events and we would appreciate some privacy at this difficult time to try and come to terms with our loss. Joseph will forever be loved and cherished by all who met him and he will forever be by our side and in our hearts RIP Son x.”
Meanwhile, Durham Constabulary confirm they are investigating the incident, and officers would like to hear from anyone who might have witnessed the collision, or have any information that could assist their investigation.
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident reference number 312 of January 25.
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