Installation commemorating the ‘ripples’ of organ donation unveiled at ARI

An art installation, in recognition of organ donors, and created by their relatives, has been unveiled at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. 

Artist Shelagh Swanson was commissioned to work with the relatives of donors, along with young people at more than a dozen north-east secondary schools, to create glass ‘pebbles’. These have been placed on the walls in the foyer of ARI’s Emergency Department, reaching up towards the Sandpiper Sanctuary. 

Shelagh said: “The idea of the artwork came from the idea of throwing a pebble into the water and the ripples it creates. One family, making the selfless decision to donate a relative’s organs and tissue, could save up to nine lives. Those nine people could, in turn, go on to do things they might never have considered possible, due to their health condition. In that way, the impact of organ donation ripples out through the community.” 

Workshops were held with secondary school pupils across Aberdeen, and in Kemnay, Huntly, Inverurie, Peterhead, and Stonehaven. Donor families were also given the opportunity to participate in dedicated workshops. 

Stuart Powrie chairs NHS Grampian’s organ donation committee, which oversees and supports donor activity, and is himself a transplant recipient. He said: “This artwork is not only a fitting memorial to those people whose organs were donated, but also a conversation starter for all of us. Very few of us, I’m pleased to say, will reach the end of our life in a position where organ donation would be possible. However, if it does happen, it is vital we have made – and shared – our donation decision. There is a system of deemed authorisation in Scotland but having your name on the donor register and telling your loved ones about it, is a powerful expression of your wishes. 

“I know firsthand the difference organ donation makes; I have been part of those ‘ripples’. I would encourage everyone, across Grampian, to sign up to the organ donor register.” 

The artwork was unveiled by Arlene Hutchinson, from Stonehaven, and her son Jack. Last August, her husband – and Jack’s father - Mark suffered two strokes in the space of a few days. He was treated in the intensive care unit at ARI, but it became clear the strokes had caused significant damage to his brain, and he would not survive. 

Arlene says: “It was at this point the amazing specialist organ donation team stepped in. They cared for Mark and my family with so much dignity and respect. They were with us during our darkest moments and when Mark passed away. The team found 4 recipients for Mark's organs, and we have since heard from one recipient whose life has completely changed since gaining 2 kidneys from Mark.  

“I am in awe of what the small – but dedicated – organ donation team achieve and will be forever grateful to them. It is an honour to unveil this artwork.” 

The installation of the artwork took place over several days; NHS Grampian wishes to express its gratitude to Robertson for the provision of installation equipment free of charge. The cost of this new artwork has been met from a dedicated organ donation fund, held by the NHS Grampian Charity.