Two Barking and Dagenham residents give their view on organ donations

Robynn with her partner Matthew McArthur, and their two children Elliot, 18 months and Ewan, seven months. (Image: Archant)

Steve Peak, 46, received a liver transplant ten years ago after suffering from chronic liver disease.

“I became ill at 30,” said the father-of-two. “They couldn’t tell me what it was caused by but said it was life threatening.

“I was on medication for a few years and would often be in pain. Doctors then placed a stent inside me which left me in intensive care.”

When Steve, of Bastable Avenue, Barking, was offered the chance of a liver transplant, he accepted straight away.

“I just wanted to live so didn’t hesitate,” he explained. “The transplant went fine but when they told me about the donor it really hit me.

“He was a father of two like me, who had died in a car crash. I cried when I heard that.

“It’s difficult to think someone had to die for me to live, but I’m so happy to still be here. It’s great to hear donations are up, but I think there should be an opt-out system.”

Robynn Tumber’s uncle, Roy Patten, would probably not be alive today if it wasn’t for his liver transplant.

Despite this the 23-year-old says she would not allow her organs to be donated, nor would she accept a organ transplant if she needed it. The mum-of-two has even refused a blood-transplant in the past.

“The whole idea of transplants freaks me out,” she explained. “I just don’t feel comfortable about it the thought of giving away my organs or having someone else’s in my body.”

She said almost all her family, including her partner Matthew, are donor card carriers.

“Matthew and I have had a lot of debates about it,” Robynn, of Alibon Road, Dagenham, added. “We always disagree but I’ve accepted that if our children were affected in any way he would make the decision.”

“I don’t agree with the opt-out system. They should keep it how it is.”