A SCHOOL is backing a ‘Be a Hero’ organ donation campaign in memory of a pupil who died a year ago.

Twelve-year-old Hoshi Naylor lost her life in a road accident in January 2018 and donated five organs to four people in need of a transplant. The Grammar School at Leeds pupil had supported organ donation from a young age and had made her final wishes known to her parents.

To mark the first anniversary of her death1500 students and staff members from GSAL congregated on their sports pitch to remember her and to show their support for organ donation.

The participants formed the words Be A Hero, to signify the campaign led by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The campaign has encouraged thousands of people to sign the organ donation register since it was launched in 2015. It is now focusing on encouraging people to talk about their wishes, as it is the next of kin who consent to donation whether somebody has signed the register or not.

GSAL is working closely with organ donation clinicians and specialists to implement educational sessions on organ donation.

Hoshi’s parents Emma Settle and Lloyd Naylor had always encouraged an open conversation around the issue of organ donation.

Emma said: “Our advice to everyone is to have a talk with your family when your children are young, as having that difficult conversation while you have the chance can help to do a lot of good.

“Our daughter has potentially saved or improved four lives, but ultimately her actions affect hundreds – the families, friends, schools and communities. When it comes to organ donation, there is a much bigger picture, which Hoshi helped us to see.

“We have always been proud of her, and now knowing that she has done this, she has left her legacy in medicine, which was what she would have wanted.”

Helen Stansfield, GSAL’s Senior Deputy Head, Pastoral, said: “The sudden loss of Hoshi was an awful shock to the community. Knowing that she went on to make a huge difference to so many people’s lives is uplifting, and she leaves behind a lasting legacy.

“We are hoping that the school will lead the way on education in organ donation and we will be working closely with the Be A Hero campaign.”

To find out more about organ donation, visit www.leedsth.nhs.uk/beahero or sign up to the donor register by calling 0300 123 23 23. Visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bahy1 to make a donation.