Hazel Willby, who died aged 64 after a stroke last October, pictured with partner Mark Pulmano

AN Islington woman’s decision to give three others another chance at life through organ donation was the “one bright light” from her untimely death, her partner has said.

When Hazel Willby, 64, died after a stroke last October, her family had not realised she was on the organ donor register.

“She had said yes to donating everything,” said her partner Mark Pulmano.

“At the time, and now, I just thought it was an amazing decision in the worst circumstances. She always did the right thing to help people. It was the one bright light in what happened.”

Doctors were able to perform two kidney transplants and a double lung transplant that allowed Ms Willby’s organs to save the lives of three other people, aged in their 50s and 60s.

“I think it was really nice that her organs went to people of the same age,” Mr Pulmano said, adding: “Whatever age you are, you are always able to donate something. And in the deepest sadness of someone passing away, it is a really beautiful gift to help other people.”

Ms Willby was an optician with “many passions”, Mr Pulmano said, who loved jive dancing and fiction.

“She was a very open-minded person who embraced life,” he added.

Mr Pulmano decided to share Hazel’s story now, during Organ Donation Week, to encourage people to follow in his partner’s footsteps and sign up to help others receive lifesaving organs at a time when the numbers of people waiting for a transplant is rising.

• You can join the NHS Organ Donor Register via 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk