Tributes paid to dad-of-five colleague who donated organs | Latest news

Tributes paid to dad-of-five colleague who donated organs

Staff at Queen’s Medical Centre have paid tribute to a colleague whose organs were donated after a fatal car crash.

Father-of-five Rowan Bailey, 40, worked in the Emergency Department for seven years, and was cared for by colleagues when he was admitted after the crash in August last year.

“What can I say about Rowan?” said Neil Wakefield, his former line manager. “He was a much-loved member of my team by all grades. His humour was legendary but was also very professional in his role.

“On a personal level, I knew Rowan outside of work and he came on the annual ED “lads” European breaks whenever he could and was always great company. His passing hit everyone hard, myself included. He is sadly missed. He was, and always will be, an ED legend.”

Colleague Sadie Harris, specialist organ donation nurse, cared for Rowan in intensive care.

“He was well-loved by all,” said Sadie. “Rowan was a beautiful human being and his gift of life ultimately summed up his willingness to help others at all costs.”

Organ donation was something Rowan felt passionately about. His organs have helped recipients on the transplant list and are being used for research that will ultimately benefit many others.

"We are all still coming to terms with life without Rowan,” said his partner, Sophie. “An amazing daddy, partner, son, brother and friend – he’s left a huge hole in our lives that will never be the same.”

Other colleagues also paid tribute to Rowan. “He was such a lovely man, so smiley,” said Skye Irvine-Berry, specialist organ donation nurse. ”If he couldn’t help you, he’d find someone who could.”

Máirín Casey, the senior coroner for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, presided over the inquest into Rowan’s death.

She said:  “It is clear to me from all of the information that I received about Rowan that he was a very special human being.

“However, it is equally clear to me that his selflessness is reflected in the actions of his family who agreed to organ and tissue donation at one of the most challenging times that anyone could ever face. They respected and supported his wishes and as a result, he and they have given the gift of life to others, after Rowan was lost to them. It is one of the most generous acts imaginable and on behalf of all those who have benefited from their generosity, I thank them most sincerely.”

Sophie added: “Rowan was a gentle giant who would do anything for anyone and he proved to be selfless right to the end. We are so incredibly proud."

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