THE family of a teenager who died in a car accident in 2021 have said they are ‘immensely proud’ of their daughter whose organ donation helped save other lives.

Lana Maddison, of Wigton, was only 19 when she tragically lost her life in a car accident in 2021.

It is believed she died at the scene as her heart was not beating when the ambulance arrived. However, they managed to re-start her heart and she was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary.

Sadly, tests confirmed Lana had broken her neck.

Lana had joined the organ donation register two years earlier, and told her family about her wishes. Knowing what Lana wanted made a devastating situation that little bit easier for her family, and the organ donation process gave them a little more time to say their goodbyes.

Lana’s mum, Lisa Maddison, said: “I believe Lana made it to Carlisle in time so that she could donate her organs. We had discussed organ donation a couple of years earlier.

“I remember being in the kitchen when Lana was completing her donation form online at the age of 17. We laughed as she told me she didn’t want to donate her eyes or heart. I said ‘don’t worry Lana, I doubt anyone would want your eyes as you can’t see very well anyway!’

"So, when we were approached in ITU, there was really no decision for us to make, we already knew her wishes. Lana was very caring and compassionate; we knew we had to follow her last wishes through.

“After 72 hours in Carlisle, Lana was transferred to the RVI in Newcastle. This was the only time we left her side, but we followed her in the car. She underwent a number of MRI scans and tests to confirm that life was not viable.

“We were with her constantly, the nurses were fantastic, not only nursing our daughter but caring for us as well. They wanted to know all about her: what her interests were and to see photos of her, this was so comforting.

"Lana was full of life, and constantly on the go.

“She was studying at university, working 12-hour shifts on placement, holding down a part time job as a waitress so that she could run her beloved white ford fiesta, Rory. She was also an active member of the Young Farmers in Wigton, organising balls and charity events.

“The nursing staff looked after Lana like she was one of their own... they played music, talked to her and plaited her hair, and I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the care she was given.

“We spoke to the organ donation nurse at the RVI, completed all the paperwork ready for Lana to go to theatre the following day.

"This wasn’t easy, how can it be? But it was made bearable by the care and compassion that was shown to us, we went at our speed and never felt rushed or pressured at all.

"That night I was allowed to wash, dry, and straighten Lana’s hair ready for theatre, this time was absolutely precious to us as a family of four. The following morning family came to say their goodbyes, once again this was never rushed.

“We were given the choice to say our goodbyes on the ward or we could accompany her to theatre to be with her when the breathing apparatus was removed. This was an easy decision for us, we wanted to be with her.

"We saw her into the world, we were going to see her out.

“Four hours later we received a phone call to say that Lana had donated two kidneys, pancreas, liver and a lung... four recipients had received lifesaving organs. A lady in her 30s received a kidney and a pancreas, a young school age girl received a kidney, a lady in her 60s received a liver and a gentleman also in his 60s received a lung.

“The following day we were allowed to see Lana in the chapel of rest. She was beautiful, just as we had left her the day before, her hair was perfect, she even had a little smile on her beautiful face, we knew then we’d done the right thing, Lana was happy.

“We are immensely proud of Lana, not only the career she chose in life but also how a beautiful young girl chose to help others after her death.

"Knowing this has brought comfort to us as a family, she gave the greatest gift, life to others.”

This week – Organ Donation Week - people are being urged to have the conversation about organ donation. Register your decision on the Organ Donation Register.