Wow! Since the Organ Donation artwork has been installed it’s been a roller coaster of news reports and amazing reviews! On Wednesday 14 November transplant patients were invited into the Royal Berkshire Hospital to meet the media at a press launch for the project. On that day it featured on the BBC Local News (Oxford) during breakfast, lunch and evening broadcasts! View our edited version of the BBC News coverage below.
It was also included in their local newspaper and achieved international fame when it featured on the Organ & Tissue Donation Blog based in California! Feedback has included: “Spanning a wall, the eye-catching butterflies come alive with a striking 3D effect, which also promotes a powerful message to the people who have given ‘the gift of life’ and will hopefully inspire others to become donors.”
Before his double lung transplant two years ago, Tilehurst man Richard Burbedge could not walk without being linked to an oxygen supply. About the ‘sculpture’ he said: “It provokes thought about organ donation, but is also a sign of being reborn. The enormity of the piece really helps to get the message across. Organ donation has transformed my life beyond recognition. It’s the greatest gift that you can give. And if you’ve never talked about it, please do, as you could be someone’s hero as my donor is to me. It’s an incredible gift.”