The Boy Who Gave His Heart Away: A Death that Brought the Gift of Life

As a recipient of a young heart just two years ago, this book resonated with me in many ways. From the pain and uncertainty of living or dying from my own and my family's point of view, my emotions were reignited by so many parts of the story. Yet in the midst of this, the sadness of someone losing their life at such a young age, the ultimate act of humanity and kindness shines through, that is, giving another the gift of life. That has to be the ultimate gesture. I don't know how many donor families actually get to meet the recipients, and whilst i may not be sure of the wisdom in certain cases, this story highlights a situation where it manages to give a real consolation to the greiving family and the opportunìty to strike up a real friendship between the parents who both been through so much.

As a bereaved mum myself I was very interested to read this book. So many of the thoughts and feelings of the two mums, Sue and Linda, echoed my own thoughts and feelings during the time I spent with my daughter in ITU, praying for her to live, and during the years I've had to live without her. I do think the most important thing about the book, however, is the way it penetrates the mystery and fear around transplant surgery and enlightens us in such a positive way; most of us who read this will think about making our own wishes clear to our families and maybe start carrying a donor card and, should we ever be in the position to be asked to consent to a loved ones organs being donated, I think having read this book will make that easier. It's also a very interesting and well told story and I have no problem in recommending it to others.

A very sad story with uplifting elements to it. I don't think the author was really up to the task of writing thIs book, as the language is clunky and unsubtle - he certainly doesn't write with the kind of delicacy and sensitivity the topic requires. Some of the clinical stuff is a bit inaccurate but I've seen worse. There is a bit of repetition and I found annoying the way the author seems to think he knows what other people are thinking even when he hasn't interviewed them. Some of the language is a bit old fashioned too. For example, does an author writing in the 21st century really need to use terms such as "male nurse" or "female doctor"? The mediocre quality of the writing should not obscure the fact that the book shows how hope and good come out of tragic situations and the indomitable nature of the human spirit. Anyone reading it will be convinced of the importance of registering as an organ donor.

As a parent whose daughter, Kate, became an organ donor just 3 months ago, this was always going to be a tough read. Of course it made me cry, but it also helped by giving the other side of the story too. I realised just how hard it is for the recipients of organs and their families to not only cope with their own tragedies, but also to come to terms with the fact that they are effectively celebrating someone else's death; the organ couldn't have saved their loved one without someone dying. Then there is survivors guilt, not to mention how on earth to they begin to thank the donor's family.... This book was sensitively written, and deserves to be read more widely... if only to encourage more people to sign up as donors. A gift none of us wants to give, but is very special if you do.

A true insight into the complicated world of organ donation. It's true that donation is not a cure for everything and the promise of a problem free life. But it is a wonderful gift which allows the recipient to have extra time with their loved ones. The bravest decision by Martin's parents to donate his organs allowed Marc 13 more years in his life. I am so sorry for the loss of both of your sons. You are amazing. This book made me cry many times but it was uplifting and heart warming at the same time.

The story of Marc and Martin and their mum's Linda and Sue was so moving it had me in tears from start to end. This is book which must be read not just for the love and compassion shown by the families but also the skill and dedication from the NHS. As we enter 2018 presumed consent is to be introduced for organ donation I hope that no one opts out.

I read this book in just over a day - I've never cried so much reading a book before, my nice passed away Christmas eve from meningitis and my sister had to make that same hard disision to donate her organs, so I could relate to their story.My thought are with both families in this book and everyone else who has been through the same ordeal.

Touching true life story that goes behind the emotional highs and lows of what it is to live through this terrible ordeal. You feel for both sides and find yourself imagining being there. How tough can humans be? This book shows us how portraying some of life's hardest emotions.

A very moving true story about a heart donated by one teenage boy to another, and how their families came together. Powerful, poignant and very readable. An excellent book. Highly recommended.

Just finished this book. It is a moving story of two families intertwined by fate. It details the fascinating process of organ donation, but it goes much further, examining the deep emotional impact on both families. I defy you to read it without shedding a tear. I was a registered organ donor before, but this book would certainly have inspired me to do so. If you like heart-warming tales, this is a must-read.