Teen's organs save lives after tragic seizure

A young woman, Menna Owen, aged 18, has become a life-saving donor after tragically passing away from a cardiac arrest brought on by an epileptic seizure. Her heart and lungs were donated following her collapse at her family home in Tonteg, Rhondda Cynon Taf, on March 1, 2025. Her parents, Beth and Malcolm Owen, have received deeply moving letters from the recipients, who are both recovering well.

The Owen family's experience highlights a concerning trend: family consent for organ donation in the UK has declined by nearly a fifth in five years, falling from 69% in 2020/21 to 57% in 2025/26. NHS Blood and Transplant is urging one million more people to join the organ donor register and crucially, to inform their families of their wishes.

Weeks before her death, Menna had discussed organ donation with her parents, expressing a clear desire to donate her organs if anything were to happen to her. "They can have anything they want," she had stated. Her parents, though shattered by her loss, find comfort in her selfless act, viewing it as her enduring legacy.

In Wales alone, approximately 1.4 million people are registered donors, while 348 individuals are awaiting transplants. Last year, 16 people in Wales died before receiving a needed organ. Evidence shows family support for donation is high (90%) when the deceased is on the register, but drops significantly (below 50%) when wishes are unknown.