(images credit: Fantasy Wire / Robin Wight)
Earlier this year, families of organ donors gathered for the unveiling of a poignant sculpture at Trentham Gardens.
Six months on, the impact is still being felt – with NHS Blood and Transplant teams reporting a rise in registrations and greater awareness of organ donation.
The bespoke artwork is called Beyond Ithaka, and was created by local artist Robin Wight.
The sculpture provides a focal point for families who have lost loved ones, as well as raising awareness of how organ donation can make a difference to other people’s lives.
The sculpture’s unveiling was featured on The One Show, with more than 200 people in attendance.
The day after the episode aired organ donation registrations rose by nearly 65% nationwide.
There are around 7,000 people on the UK transplant waiting list, and last year almost 500 people died waiting for a transplant.
Kirsty Lazenby – credit: UHNM
Kirsty Lazenby is a specialist nurse at Royal Stoke University Hospital, in Stoke-on-Trent.
She said: “The sculpture provides a beautiful and dignified place for people to remember loved ones who have donated or received an organ.
“The aim is to also help raise awareness of organ donation and help to get that conversation started.
“We’ve met so many people in different areas across the trust and further afield who have seen Beyond Ithaka and talked of the message it brings and it is always met with such positive words.”
Rebecca Journet – credit: UHNM
Fellow specialist nurse, Rebecca Journet added: “We’re so proud of the response we’ve had.
“Not only has it raised the profile of organ donation in and around the local area, but I think it has given the staff who attended the event and have since seen the broadcast or visit the sculpture a real sense of pride.
“We can’t make organ donation happen without the efforts of the staff in our key areas.
“Staff consistently show a passion and a dedication towards organ donation and making sure that all families are offered the very best end of life care possible.
“Our combined efforts at Royal Stoke to ensure that organ donation is discussed with every family whose loved one is a potential organ donor has meant that Royal Stoke has firmly cemented its position as one of the top donating hospitals in the country.”
Meaningful memorial
Trentham boss Alastair Budd believes the site offers an ideal location for the sculpture.
He said: “Trentham holds special memories for many and its beautiful and peaceful grounds make it an ideal place for reflection and to remember loved ones.
“Organ Donation Week takes place from 26th September to 2nd October and is a really important time to build awareness of the incredible difference organ donation can make.
“We are so proud to have come together with NHS Royal Stoke Hospital to create a meaningful memorial for the loved ones of organ donors, as well as creating an important talking point for all our visitors.”
Beyond Ithaka – credit: Trentham
Beyond Ithaka
In Greek mythology Ithaka is the homeland of Odysseus from Homer’s Odyssey, and is known as a place of peace and calm.
It has also become a metaphor for the destination of life’s journey.
The sculpture at Trentham represents a mythological nymph that lives in the trees and materialises as a beautiful woman.
It consists of a Mother Nature figure which forms a heart shape to resemble the organ donation logo, featuring 400 hand-beaten coloured metal leaves.
Each leaf also has a heart shaped hole stamped out of it.
The sculpture weighs around 100kg, and is mounted onto one of the original stones from the old Trentham Hall – tying in with themes of regeneration and renewal.
