INTERNATIONAL ORGAN DONATION AWARENESS-AUSTRALIA- WALKERS REMEMBER GENEROUS JUDGE

Source: Canberra Times

by: Natasha Rudra

Justice Terry Connolly would give people ''the shirt off his back'' and yesterday about 1000 people, including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, rose at dawn to remember his generosity.

The Prime Minister joined Justice Connolly's widow, Helen Watchirs. and the couple's daughters, Maddy and Lara, to walk around the lake in his honour. (pictured to the left)

The Terry Connolly ORGANised walk is one of the events at Organ Donation Awareness Week and aims to raise Australia's donation rate.

Justice Connolly died unexpectedly in 2007 during a morning bicycle ride but, as an organ donor, he was able to donate his corneas.

Dr Watchirs said yesterday she was pleased with the response to the walk.

''It was a fantastic turnout, we're really happy with the number of people who attended, the weather was great and there was fantastic mood of optimism,'' she said.

Dr Watchirs, who is also ACT Human Rights Commissioner, said she wanted people to change the culture of not discussing organ donation.

''[It's] so it's not left to loved ones to make the decisions. The family discovers it first, you know what your loved one's wishes are,'' she said.

Dr Watchirs had warm words for Mr Rudd, who received a heart valve transplant in his 30s, saying his support had helped boost the campaign to raise awareness of organ donation