Dilan’s family describe him as an adventurous little boy, bursting with energy and kindness, with a cheeky smile and beautiful thick ginger hair. He lived with his mum Maggie, dad Simon, sisters Kelsea and Billie-Sue and brothers John and Elliott.
Shortly before Christmas 2001, Dilan was involved in a road traffic accident and suffered a severe head injury. Tragically, Dilan died on the Paediatric Critical Care Unit (PICU) on New Year’s Eve 2001. He was six years old when he passed away.
When Dilan’s parents realised that Dilan’s injuries were non-survivable, they wanted him to become an organ donor.
Mum Maggie said:
‘I knew in my heart that this was the right decision for us to make. We wanted to help other children who were poorly and who needed an organ transplant to get better. In fact, we knew that this would have been Dilan’s wish too, as he was such a caring little boy. Shortly before his accident he’d watched a TV programme that had poorly children on it and had asked: “Mummy, what can I do to help those poorly children?”
Dilan went on to donate his organs, saving more than one life. Dilan’s parents later received letters of gratitude from the recipients and their families. Letters spoke about how Dilan had died a hero and how Maggie and Simon’s kindness had saved and enhanced the quality of other people’s lives. These letters are treasured by Dilan’s family.
September 2025 would have marked Dilan’s 30th birthday and as well as fundraising in Dilan’s memory, Dilan’s family returned to Leeds Children’s Hospital during Organ Donation Week to celebrate Dilan’s legacy. Along with Dilan’s siblings, Maggie met with staff who cared for Dilan 24 years ago!
Family Care Sister Chloe Fisher said:
‘I have never forgotten Dilan and his family, and I know many of my colleagues who worked on PICU at the time remember them too. Maggie and Simon inspired me, immersed in loss, at their saddest time they were thinking of the needs of others. As a family they were experiencing the unthinkable, but the strength that they showed at this time shone through. It is that strength, compassion and kindness that binds them as a family to this day. I was proud to be part of Dilan’s story, and his family continue to inspire my nursing practice today.’
During their visit to the unit Dilan’s family were shown a special display, created by staff, celebrating organ donors like Dilan and their families. Staff across the hospital have been raising awareness of the importance of organ donation all week, encouraging everyone to have the conversation and make their wishes known.
Maggie said:
‘I’m happy to share Dilan’s story and I hope that it inspires others to consider the gift of organ donation. I hope that all families who sadly find themselves in similar situations to mine are asked to consider this precious gift’
Leeds Children’s Hospital are extremely grateful Maggie and all Dilan’s family for sharing Dilan’s amazing story and helping to raise awareness of organ donation all year round.
Find out more about organ donation, including how to register your decision on the Organ Donation website.