Kerri Burns-Taylor | Warwick Daily News
MOTOR racing driver Ashley Cooper was just 27 years old when he was tragically killed competing in the sport he loved.
At the time of his passing, a six-year-old girl was close to death, battling liver disease and waiting for a new liver.
Mr Cooper's earlier decision to become an organ donor gave her that new liver.
His death saved her life – and the lives of five others.
Warwick man and friend of Mr Cooper, Bobby McGee, has teamed up with Donatelife to encourage others to “go the whole hog” and sign up as organ donors.
Mr McGee said many people thought they were organ donors because they ticked the box on their driver's licence but said it was important that family members were made aware of their wishes.
He said he has taken on the challenge of raising awareness in the hope of raising donor numbers.
“Nothing has given me more satisfaction than trying to make this work,” he said.
“I dream about it.”
Mr McGee will travel to Morgan Park Raceway this week to make more people aware of donor benefits.
“I have had 30 motor racing people say they're in for sure and this weekend I'm appealing to drivers and pit crews to go the whole hog and become donors,” he said.
“Ashley saved six people so those 30 people could be saving up to 180 people's lives.
“It's not about fund-raising – I'm just appealing to the public to really, really think about it.
“So many people die waiting.
“Our parts are no good to us when we’re dead.
"Why bury them or burn them when somebody else needs them?” he asked.
Donor facts
One organ and tissue donor can save the lives of up to 10 people and improve the lives of dozens more.
40% of Australians do not know the donation wishes of their loved ones.
Less than 60% of families give consent for organ and tissue donation to proceed.
People on a transplant list must wait, on average, between six months and four years.
In 2010, 309 organ donors gave 931 Australians a new chance in life.
For more information visit www.donatelife.gov.au.
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