The family and friends of teenager Joel Scott have been left devastated by his tragic death.
Joel died falling from a rock while jumping into the River Wharfe at Burnsall a week ago today.
This was a young man who loved life and had everything to live for. He came from a very close family and was at the heart of it, while his friends dubbed him The Legend because he was never down and always smiling.
Now his family have revealed that Joel carried a donor card and his organs have given the gift of life to 11 people.
His uncle, Phil Jackson, said: “For someone of his age to think that far ahead, I think, is exceptional. It’s typical of Joel who was a very loving and caring lad. He has sadly gone but other people are living because of him.”
It is clear nothing can make up for the loss of such an exceptional and dearly loved young man but the fact he has helped others to live may provide a degree of solace.
The decision to register as an organ donor is down to the individual, and this newspaper continues to support that position.
Joel’s story is, though, a powerful example of the good that can come out of organ donation as well as a reminder of the need for people who wish to sign up to do so as soon as possible.
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