The tragic death of Cindy Whitaker after a stroke left her family understandably devastated.

But by carrying out her wishes to help others in the event of her death, she helped to save six people through organ transplants.

Miss Whitaker is a shining example to all of us of just why registering as an organ donor is so important.

Six people, including a seven-year-old girl in intensive car, are now more likely to live longer and enjoy a better quality of life as a result of her agreeing to donate her organs. And for her family, it helped in a small way to lessen the grief of her death.

Knowing she was giving life to others made, in daughter Rebecca’s own words, “the worst day of my life more bearable”.

It is not a scenario anyone wants to contemplate. And at just 43, no one could have expected Miss Whitaker to be struck down by a stroke.

But her own selflessness and kindness meant that she had already registered as an organ donor, which meant surgeons could act quickly to help others. It is a story all of us could do with bearing in mind.

Some may have a genuine objection to the idea of their organs being used after their death, and it is their right to have that belief honoured.

However, many of us simply have not got round or can’t find the time to complete whatever forms are necessary to go on the organ register.

Think of the lives Miss Whitaker has saved, and the help that knowledge brought to the family she left behind. Think of the parents of the seven-year-old girl whose new liver may help her to live a much longer life.

Then think again about whether you have time to register as a donor.