Donor Hero: Neill Openshaw

Our beautiful husband and father of four, Neill Openshaw, died on 1st January 2014 following a cerebral aneurysm. He was 49 years of age with the world at his feet. Neill was an Orthopaedic Surgeon with a thriving practice in Bunbury, located in the south-west of Western Australia. He was fit, healthy and loving his life. His four children, Emma, Charlotte, Kate and Henry adored him. We were months away from celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary. And then it was all over, with no warning after he collapsed at home on the morning of New Years Eve. He was flown to Perth where we received the devastating news that he could not recover and so as a family, we suggested he could become an organ donor. Neill has given new life to four people, with his kidneys, lungs and liver all being successfully transplanted. We miss him more than words can ever say. He is our hero.

Last year Henry won his age division of DonateLife's writing competition with a short story about his father being an organ donor. ABC then filmed Henry at his school, Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, telling his story. I have provided an internet link for you as I am so proud of this brave, beautiful 14 year old boy (he was only 10 when he lost his Dad). https://www.facebook.com/abcsouthwest/videos/10154960324086811/

We always say the world is a better place because Neill was here - he was a talented surgeon, a very loved husband and father and an organ donor. An amazing legacy.