Jarryd Hatton experienced many emotions when he lost his fiance Jess McLennan.
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But what he felt, knowing she had changed the lives of five people by being an organ donor, made him smile.
“Out of the whole scenario, it was something really positive that I can always take with me,” he said.
“She was that kind of person who would give back what she could – she was always giving blood – so it didn’t surprise me when I found out she was a registered organ donor.
“Jess and I were so young, death was the last thing on our minds.
“I encourage people to speak about it because you never know – it could be a loved one that needs an organ one day.”
The Rutherglen Cats are holding a DonateLife day on Saturday to promote the importance of people joining the register and talking to loved ones about their decision.
President Greg Lumby said the event was inspired by Miss McLennan but was also about organ donor recipients and the wider issue.
“I was contacted by DonateLife through North East Health Wangaratta about running a day,” he said.
“We ran it by the family and they were happy for us to do it – it was something Jess was passionate about.”
As part of the day, DonateLife Victoria representatives will be talking about organ donation with the club and students at Rutherglen High School.
Mr Lumby said the organisation had provided jerseys for the day, with North East Health Wangaratta – where Miss McLennan worked – covering the costs of the netball uniforms.
“It will be ongoing, on DonateLife Week every year the boys will wear these jumpers,” he said.
“It’s something I hadn’t had much awareness of until Jess’ circumstances and it’s a way of getting a positive out of what was a tragedy.”
Miss McLennan’s number will be on each of the netball dresses and Mr Hatton will also be wearing jumper 13 when he hits the field on Saturday.
“It’s going to be a special day, and a emotional one, but one to smile at,” he said.
“It’s to celebrate more of her life, what she gave to five lucky people and what other people could give in the same vain.”
DonateLife Week runs until Sunday. To register your donation decision, go to donatelife.gov.au.
