A Powys mum who lost her son is encouraging people to sign up to the organ donation list.

Mandi Orton whose son Connor Hudson died tragically at the age of 27. However, Connor was registered as an organ donor and donated his organs to help others.

Ms Orton, 49, said: “As time passes it sometimes feels like Connor's donation was a lifetime ago and then at other times it feels like it was yesterday. When we were at the hospital with Connor during his last days with us, his organ donation was a lifeline.

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“We knew that helping others to live would bring us deep comfort and some purpose and meaning to our loss. Connor lived his life to help others and this last gift he could give would bring life and hope to so many. It is a legacy that we are very proud of.”

The family was recently received the Order of St John award, a national award given to the family of the donor, to recognise the selfless contribution that organ donors make to extend life and give hope to others in need .

“It is almost three years since Connor died and our loss and grief are woven into our lives. His gift of organ donation has helped six families have more precious time with their loved ones, our boy is living on and and has a presence here,” said Ms Orton.

“When we were told that Connor was not going to recover, and that organ donation was an option, myself, Connor's Dad and Stepdad were all in agreement that we would like to follow this path.

"Something positive to come out of a hopeless situation."

According to NHS Wales every organ donor can save up to nine lives after they die by giving their organs to patients waiting for a transplant.

In the last two years 59 people in Wales became organ donors after their death in and this led 129 patients waiting for a transplant in Wales received a life changing gift last year.

After her and her family’s experience Ms Orton is encouraging others to make the same decision as Connor, from Brecon, who died in 2020.

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“When we found out that Connor was on the register it strengthened us and we knew that we had to carry out Connor's wishes,” she said.

“We had no doubts but I can understand how other families may have if they were in the same situation. You are in shock and you can't always make rational decisions. I do wish we had spoken about it before as we would have known his wishes straight away, it would not have affected our decision though.

“Have the conversation with you loved ones now, leave them in no doubt what your wishes are and register for organ donation today. Helping someone to live after your death is the most generous gift you can give, it will leave a meaningful legacy.”