When Pete registered as an organ donor, it wasn’t a surprise to his parents, Heather and Iain. They’d had conversations about it over the years, and Pete had made it clear that helping others was something he believed in. After his sudden passing, that decision became a powerful legacy, one that continues to save lives and bring hope.
Pete was a vibrant, funny, and deeply thoughtful young man. Heather describes him as having a “peculiar, very warped sense of humour.” Even in the most difficult moments, his personality shone through, like when the family played his Spotify playlist in the hospital and the first songs were 'Stairway to Heaven' followed by 'Highway to Hell'. “It was typical Pete,” Heather said. “It was like he was still making us laugh.”
He was also generous and kind. Heather recalled a moment from his childhood when, after watching BBC Children in Need, Pete asked to sell his toys to raise money for children in need. “He had bags and bags of toys,” she said. “He just wanted to help.”
Pete didn’t just talk about organ donation, he acted on it. He registered five separate times: on his provisional license, twice directly on the NHS Organ Donor Register, once with his GP in Bristol, and again through his workplace at Specsavers. “The nurse told us, ‘I’ve never seen this before,’” Heather said. “We just looked at each other and said, there’s no question now. This is what he wanted.”
Grief and the Gift of Hope
Losing Pete was devastating. But knowing he chose to help others gave Heather and Iain something to hold onto.
“It’s a bittersweet relationship,” Heather said. “We’ve lost Pete, but we know he’s still living on in others. That gives us comfort.”
That comfort became a source of strength. Heather now leads a workplace support group called Let’s Talk Organ Donation, where she shares Pete’s story and helps others understand the importance of registering and having conversations with loved ones.
“I had 12 people tell me they registered after hearing Pete’s story,” she said. “One of them did it during our one-to-one meeting, it literally takes minutes. And for every one donor, up to nine lives can be saved. Why wouldn’t you?”
Heather and Iain have even marked Pete’s legacy with tattoos, his heart trace from intensive care, and symbols representing the lives he helped. “Three hearts for the organ recipients, and four more for those whose sight was saved through cornea and tissue donation,” Heather explained. “Pete worked in an optician’s and wanted to train as one. That part of his donation felt especially meaningful.”
They’ve found that these tattoos spark conversations, at memorials, at work, even in passing. “It’s a way to keep talking about Pete and the good he’s done,” Heather said.
The Long-Term Impact
When asked what message she’d share with families facing the decision to donate, Heather didn’t hesitate:
“It’s not about the short-term pain, it’s about the long-term comfort. In the moment, all you feel is loss. But years later, you’ll feel that warm glow, knowing your loved one helped others live.”
Every Christmas, Heather imagines the families who now get to celebrate together because of Pete. One recipient had been waiting for a kidney since she was 12. “That blew us away,” Heather said. “We didn’t even know about tissue typing, it’s not just blood type. We’ve learned so much, and we keep sharing it.”
Pete’s memory lives on through music, rugby, and stories. Heather still hears his favourite songs and feels him close. “We made a playlist for our trip to Florida this year, just like he would’ve done. He was very particular about his music,” she laughed. “He once made a playlist for someone because he thought their taste was rubbish.”
What gives Heather strength today is simple: talking about Pete.
“Sharing his story, hearing what he did, it’s the gift he gave to others. That’s what keeps me going.”
She also credits the incredible support from the organ donation team. “You don’t realise it at the time, but they’re doing something magical. They’re helping families through the worst moments with empathy and care. I’ll never forget that.”
Heather’s message is clear:
“Don’t wait. Talk to your family. Share your wishes. Register. You never know what tomorrow brings.”
Pete didn’t wait. He registered five times. He made sure his choice would be honoured. And because of that, lives were saved, families were healed, and a legacy was born.
Let Pete’s story inspire yours. Register as an organ donor here. Start the conversation. Be the reason someone gets a second chance.