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Christmas Eve Transplant Inspires Organ Donor Pledges
23 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A lung transplant recipient kept his promise to his donor's family.
- He created origami aeroplanes to symbolize the passing of life.
- The campaign encourages more people to join the organ donor register.
Ten years ago, on Christmas Eve, Joe Russell received a life-saving lung transplant, an event that dramatically altered his fate. Previously on the brink of death due to cystic fibrosis, Russell has now honored a solemn promise made to his donor's family.
As an origami artist, Russell has created a series of delicate paper aeroplanes for the NHS campaign titled 'Hope Takes Flight.' These creations serve as a poignant symbol, illustrating the profound concept of life passing from one individual to another through organ donation.
Russell's commitment extends beyond his artistic expression; he pledged to his anonymous donor's family that he would "use this chance for something that is more important than me." He is now actively encouraging more people to join the organ donor register, amplifying the impact of his renewed life.
