Moray folk urged to join donor register
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THE parents of a young woman, described as always smiling, are encouraging Moray people to register as organ donors.
Hayley Smith, from Fochabers, was a well-known character in the village and wider community because of her chatty nature and bubbly personality.
The 29-year-old worked as a volunteer at the Cedarwood Centre in Elgin for adults with learning difficulties, and at Mosstodloch Primary School. However, last summer, Hayley started to feel unwell, and her health began to decline.
Earlier this year, while at Dr Gray’s Hospital, staff realised there was something seriously wrong with her liver, and she was transferred to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary’s transplant unit.
Her organ had failed and Hayley was placed at the top of the urgent list of patients waiting for a donor.
No liver became available, and she died, with her parents by her bedside, on March 22.
Mum Lynn said: "She was well known because she was involved in so many things. She was a member of the church and helped with the crèche on Sundays, the Take Note singing group, she was a member of the guild and helped with the Bellie Babies and the Beavers.
"She loved Speyfest and helped out at all 17 festivals – that was the highlight of her year.
"Hayley has left a massive hole in our family."
More than 600 people attended her funeral at Bellie Church at the end of March, and around £2,300 was for the transplant unit in Edinburgh. Since then the money has grown.
Now Lynn, husband Gary, Hayley’s brother Joss and his partner Sinead are all registered as organ donors.
Anyone wanting to join the register can do so through the website www.organdonation scotland.org
