SAM Sinclair died aged just 19.

The teenager’s compassionate nature saved the lives of other people because she had signed up as an organ donor.

And her family now hope to save many more by spreading the word about the condition that claimed her life.

Sam, who lived in the Tadcaster Road area of York, died last week following complications of diabetes. The tragedy prompted her parents, John and Tania Sinclair, and her twin brother, Scott, to speak out, to raise awareness of diabetes in other young people.

The Sinclairs said: “Sam was a healthy, vibrant young woman, with her life ahead of her. She developed Type 1 diabetes following a virus, which rapidly caused her to become ill and ultimately resulted in her tragic death on November 12.

“Sam was a very popular girl. There has been a tremendous outpouring of grief with hundreds of condolence messages left on Facebook and through letters and cards to her parents and brother.

“Having only recently passed her driving test and buying her own car, Sam had made the decision to be an organ donor.

“Her thoughtfulness has resulted in other families being given the gift of life.

“Her parents, brother and family were very proud of her and hope that this tragic event will raise awareness of diabetes and encourage other people to be tested for this potentially life-threatening condition, which can be detected by a simple blood test.”

News of Sam’s death and the remarkable gesture that followed it came as mourners at the funeral of Miss York finalist Emma Young, 22, were urged to consider organ donation.

Emma died while awaiting a lung transplant.

Sam’s family was keen to set out what had happened to her in the time leading up to her death.

“Sam had lost weight and had a general feeling of being unwell with headaches, stomach pains and nausea, before complaining of a shortness of breath whilst at work on Monday, November 9,” they said.

“Sam was taken by ambulance to York District accident and emergency department, where she suffered a pulmonary embolism caused by the untreated diabetes.

“This led to the heart attack, which then left her in a diabetic coma.”

The Sinclairs said that if anyone who knew Sam would like to make a donation in her memory, they were collecting for the ICU (intensive care unit) at York District Hospital and for diabetes awareness.

They thanked the doctors and nursing staff on the intensive care unit who they said had worked tirelessly in their treatment of Sam, and also thanked well-wishers for their kindness and support.


One donor ‘can save many others’

ORGAN donors can leave a legacy of life and better health for many other people.

Joanne Turner, a donor transplant co-ordinator for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Transplants are one of the most miraculous achievements of modern medicine.

“But they depend entirely on the generosity of donors and their families who are willing to make this life-saving or life-enhancing gift to others.

“One donor can save the life of several people, restore the sight of two others and improve the quality of life of many more. The more people who pledge to donate their organs and tissue after their death, the more people stand to benefit.

“By choosing to join the NHS Organ Donor Register you could help to make sure life goes on for many others.”

Joanne said: “More than 10,000 people in the UK are currently on a transplant waiting list.

“Of these 1,000 will die this year while waiting as there are not enough organs available, that’s three people dying every single day.”


How to join the NHS organ donor register

• Fill in a form online at organdonation.nhs.uk/ukt/RegistrationForm.do

• Phone the NHS Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23.

• Text SAVE to 84118.

You can also join when you are registering for a driving licence, applying for a Boots Advantage card, registering at a GP surgery and registering for a European Health Insurance card (EHIC).