Organ donor advocate on the ride of his life, Australia

BY TRACEY FINDLAY

DAVID Gough has embarked on a 5000km motorcycle ride as a tribute to his daughter and to raise awareness about organ donation.

Melody Gough was killed in a motor vehicle accident on Christmas Eve, 2009, but her earlier decision to be an organ donor saved three other lives.

In the lead-up to DonateLife Week, February 20 - 27, Mr Gough’s journey, which started in Canberra on Friday, will take him through NSW, the ACT and Victoria, returning to Canberra.

On Tuesday, the 60-year-old stopped at Pie in the Sky at Cowan where he was greeted by Hornsby Hospital’s clinical nurse specialist in organ donation, Jenny Holman.

“We want to encourage people to discover the facts about organ donation and to register,” she said.

“What better way to see the country and also to honour my daughter and to spread the word.”

Ms Holman praised Mr Gough.

“It’s absolutely phenomenal to have someone like David raising awareness,” she said.

Her job includes supporting families and looking after patients.

Ms Holman said people who opt to donate organs must discuss it with family: “They make the ultimate decision,” she said. More on the ride:odar.com.au