'Proud day' for mum as organ donor law brought in

A mother whose son died in a car crash almost 19 years ago has said he will help other people "forever", as a new organ donation law comes in in his name.

Diane Taylor has campaigned for over a decade to change legislation on the Isle of Man so people have to opt out of being an organ donor rather than opt in.

The law, which comes into force on New Year's Day, has become known as Daniel's Law in memory of her son, 15-year-old Daniel Boyde, whose organs saved the lives of four people when they were donated in 2007.

Mrs Taylor, whose son died in the crash in Ramsey on 22 January 2007, said: "I'm very proud that Daniel's going to be able to help people forever."

The Human Tissue and Organ Donation Act started life as a private members' bill in 2017 and was given Royal Assent in July 2021.

Politicians cleared the final hurdles of the new legislation in Tynwald in June.

Mrs Taylor said that for years she has been telling Daniel's story "from the heart each time, exactly how I remember and my own personal feelings about everything that happened".

She said she still remembered "everything like it was yesterday".

While the situation was traumatic, she said she and her husband knew Daniel would want to donate his organs.

Years later, she said her aim was always to urge people to talk about it and "think about their own choices".

It would also give those waiting for a transplant "renewed hope" as the island joined other jurisdictions in changing the law, she added.

Latest NHS figures show that there are currently 16 people waiting for a transplant on the Isle of Man.

Mrs Taylor will be among those gathering at the organ donation memorial garden at Noble's Hospital to mark the milestone later.

She said: "It's a very proud day and there's been so many people involved to get here, it's been an incredible journey.

"Daniel would be so chuffed that this was being brought in."

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