Introduction to a Tragic Loss
Arlene Hutchinson’s husband Mark was just 52 when he died unexpectedly last year after suffering two strokes "out of the blue". Like many couples, they had never discussed organ donation, but she knew it was what he would have wanted. Now Arlene and her 12-year-old son Jack take comfort in knowing that Mark helped make a difference in the lives of others. She said: "He lives on in four people. That can only be a good thing."
Raising Awareness
Arlene and Jack, who live near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, hope their story will encourage people to talk about the sensitive issue before it is too late. They also want to raise awareness about strokes. Arlene described Mark as the love of her life and they married in New York in 2010. Jack was born two years later and they were soon joined by the dog Luna. She recalled: “We had a really happy life together, the three of us.” Arlene said they had a “healthy” family lifestyle. The couple were non-smokers, ate well and enjoyed walking with Luna.
The Unexpected Turn of Events
But last summer her life was suddenly turned upside down. Arlene and Jack walked the dog while Mark took a shower and prepared for a family gathering. When they returned, Arlene said Mark was emotional. “He told me he wasn’t feeling well at all and he had fallen,” she said. "He just wasn’t himself. And he had a numb tongue." Mark’s speech began to falter and one side of his face drooped – classic stroke symptoms. “It was very, very stressful,” she said. They tried to keep him calm while they waited for an ambulance.
The Difficult Decision
After arriving at the hospital, Arlene was told her husband had a blood clot on his brain but was still conscious and sitting upright. She said there was "fear" in Mark’s eyes and he was taken to the stroke unit. In the coming days there was talk of recovery. But then Mark suffered a second stroke and lost consciousness. Arlene said she was "still hopeful" as they waited for the scan results, but they revealed the "devastating" news that Mark’s brain had been severely damaged. “There was no good outcome,” she said. “I knew Mark would never want to be like that – where he just couldn’t do anything for himself.” "I’ll never have to do anything as hard as telling Jack."
The Gift of Life
As Arlene came to terms with the news, she spoke to the donor team. She said: “We decided this is what we want to do. Mark was going to die. I felt like the decision was easy for me. “Knowing Mark the person, I know he would have wanted this with all his heart to help others.” He died two days later and was taken to the theater. Arlene said: “The amazing organ donation specialist team stepped in. “They cared for Mark and my family with so much dignity and respect. “They were with us in our darkest moments and when Mark died. “The team found four recipients for Mark’s organs and, amazingly, we have since heard from one recipient whose life has been completely transformed since receiving two of Mark’s kidneys.”
Organ Donation Law in Scotland
Everyone in Scotland became an automatic organ donor from 2021 under new laws unless they opt out. Under the previous system, more than half of Scotland’s population was registered to donate their organs or tissues after their death. Individuals will now be deemed to have consented to the donation unless they have stated otherwise. There are some exceptions, including children under 16 and adults who cannot understand the new law – such as people with dementia. The goal is to enable more people to receive life-saving and life-changing transplants. People who do not want their organs to be donated for a transplant can opt out via the Organ Donation Scotland website.
Honoring Mark’s Memory
Arlene said her husband “just wanted to spread joy.” She added: "He was caring, a big softie. He had a big smile on his face all the time. He was such a happy man." Reflecting on his loss, she said: "We will never know why as it came completely out of the blue." "It’s been over a year and every day is hard. All of this has changed our lives." Jack, now 13, described his father as “always optimistic and cheerful”. He said: "He was a lot of fun and always did stupid things to make us laugh. He always cracked us up." When asked what he thought about the fact that his father’s organs ultimately helped four other people, Jack replied: "It’s a comfort." “I am very proud.” Arlene and Jack recently unveiled an art installation paying tribute to organ donors at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Artist Shelagh Swanson was commissioned to work with donors’ families as well as youth from more than a dozen high schools to create the ripple effect art. Arlene said she was honored to unveil the artwork, adding: “I am humbled by what the small but dedicated organ donation team are doing and will be forever grateful to them.”
