Nine-year-old Alfie donated his organs when he suddenly became unwell and died in April last year.

Professor Hannah Cock, Consultant Neurologist at St George’s, and husband Martin Scott said that being able to donate Alfie’s organs brought them ‘great comfort and pride’.

Alfie had learning difficulties, was registered as blind, was unable to speak and had a limited lifespan when he unexpectedly became unwell with pneumonia and died in April 2016 with his parents around him.

His kidneys, corneas and liver cells were taken for transplants for those who required a life-saving transplant surgery.

Professor Cock said: “We have been humbled by how many lives Alfie touched and take comfort in knowing he is continuing to help others via organ donation.”

She added: “Losing a child is something that no parent would choose, but even in Alfie’s last day, and certainly since, knowing that he has helped other families in their times of need is a source of great comfort and pride for us. We received a ‘gift of life’ engraved with thanks from one of Alfie’s organ recipients which is now one of our most precious belongings.”

Hannah and Martin recently received an Order of St John Award for organ donation on Alfie’s behalf. They have also helped to raise awareness of organ donation in children.

Hannah and Martin shared their experience at our Tree of Life ceremony earlier this year. The event takes place annually to thank, pay tribute to and remember the many people who donate life-saving organs and tissues at St George’s, including Alfie. You can watch our video of the Tree of Life ceremony here.

The Tree of Life itself is positioned in Atkinson Morley Wing to act as a permanent reminder of each donor’s selfless gift/s. During the event, donors’ families are invited to place an engraved leaf with their own personal message upon the tree.

Jo Cox, Specialist Organ Donation Nurse at St George’s, said: “One person could save or transform up to nine people’s lives – and even more by donating tissue as well as organs.”

You can also read Alfie’s story in today’s Evening Standard (Wednesday 29 November).

Photo caption: Alfie with mum, Hannah.

Notes to editors

For more information, please contact Pippa Harper, Media Manager, on 020 8266 6128 or philippa.harper@stgeorges.nhs.uk