Michelle and Jon Seccull want to spread awareness about organ donation. PICTURE: JEREMY BANNISTER
Wallace resident Jon Seccull has been a passionate campaigner for organ donation since the death of his son resulted in an incredible gift to other families.
He says new figures that show organ donations are increasing in Australia is step forward for the cause.
More Australians became organ donors or received a life-saving transplant in 2012 than in any previous year, according to figures released yesterday by the Australia and New Zealand Organ Donation Registry and Organ and Tissue Authority.
A total of 354 Australians became organ donors in 2012, a five per cent increase on the 2011 figure of 337, and a 43 per cent increase since 2009.
For Jon and Michelle Seccull, donating their son Ethan’s organs after he was hit by a train at Wallace in 2011 was simply the right thing to do.
“My wife and I put ourselves in the position of, if it was Ethan requiring an organ to live, we would have done anything,” Mr Seccull said.
“We didn’t get our miracle, but we wanted to give another family a miracle.
“It’s something we’ve taken a lot of comfort in and it’s helped us through our own personal tragedy.”
It also hit home for the Secculls when they received a letter from one of the recipients of Ethan’s organs, describing how the donation had greatly improved his life.
The couple, who have continued to promote Ethan’s story and raise awareness for organ and tissue donation, hope it is an issue all families will discus.
Mr Seccull said only one per cent of people who died were in the right circumstances to be able to donate their organs.
“The most important thing is to have the conversation with your family,” he said.
“Let your family know what your wishes are. The national donor registry is a fantastic initiative but your relatives will always be asked and have the final say whether you’re on the register or not.”