ONE year ago the family of Lynton Gledhill were told the gut wrenching news that his life support system was to be turned off and that he could not survive without it.

As they sat at his hospital bedside his distraught parents Anne and Malcolm were still trying to come to terms with the brutal news when his sister Karen made a suggestion.

She asked why the family did not offer Lynton's organs for donation, so at least someone else could be helped by their family tragedy.

One year on and the Gledhills say they are so pleased they made the brave decision, and that so many other people's lives have been saved or improved as a result.

"We still struggle to come to terms that such a strong get up and go sort of kid can be taken from us all so suddenly," said his mum Anne, at the family home in Burton Road, Monk Bretton. "But we are proud he has made a difference to so many lives and that is a great comfort."

Lynton, a self-employed builder, was a strong and healthy 50-year-old before suddenly being taken ill last October.

"We know several people's lives were instantly saved by Lynton's organs, plus we agreed for the transplant team to take skin and bones and heart valves and other donations which can be stored and used to help other people in the future.

"I'm so glad that she did, all the family is glad because it means part of Lynton lives on and that someone who in life would have done anything to help anyone, saved complete strangers and that is such a comforting thought to hold on to."