Cyprian Kromiszewski died unexpectedly in 2023; his prior decision to donate enabled transplants of five organs and is being highlighted during Organ and Tissue Donation Week.
Cyprian Kromiszewski, who died aged 23 in 2023, donated five organs—liver, pancreas, heart and both kidneys—that were used by recipients around the UK.
NHS leaders say the number of donors has fallen recently and urged people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register to help reduce the transplant waiting list.
Five organs were recovered and transplanted to recipients across the UK: his liver, pancreas, heart and both kidneys. Cyprian's family say they are proud that, after his death, he was able to help other people.
Cyprian's mother, Marzanna Swierczewska, described earlier conversations with her son about organ donation when he was completing paperwork for Police Scotland. She said, "I had no doubt he would want to help others, as that was his nature." She added that knowing his wishes helped make an extremely difficult time "just a little bit easier" and that she was proud he "has gone on to save other people."
People across Scotland aged 16 and over can choose to opt in to the organ and tissue donation register or to opt out. Adults aged 16 and over who have not registered a decision are considered willing to donate unless they have explicitly opted out or are in an excluded group.
Across Lothian, 573,002 people have opted in to the Organ Donor Register, an increase of 37.7% since 2015.
Professor John Casey, a transplant surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian, said: "Each year, thousands of people's lives are saved or improved thanks to the generosity of organ donors like Cyprian." He also noted the importance of having conversations with family and loved ones about donation wishes.
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said the sector is "facing one of the most challenging periods for organ donation in over a decade," citing a sharp decline in donors and a rising transplant waiting list. He urged people to sign the NHS Organ Donor Register, noting that opportunities to save lives are being lost when families do not know a person's wishes.
If you have a preference about organ or tissue donation, tell your family and register your decision. That clarity can make decisions easier for relatives and can directly enable transplants for people on waiting lists.
Cyprian Kromiszewski, who joined Police Scotland as the youngest officer, saved five people's lives after donating his organs.
Brave Glasgow girl Brie McCann was given just a 25 per cent chance of survival. Now she's back at school full time – something her parents thought may never be possible.
PC Matthew Blades was given a full police funeral in Hartlepool on Wednesday, with a guard of honour and hundreds of grieving officers lining the streets to pay their respects to the fallen Cleveland Police officer who died on the A66 in Middlesbrough
Harriet Boyles, 19, from Stoke-on-Trent, died four days after a Ford crashed into a tree on Lichfield Road in Armitage, Staffordshire, before donating six organs.
The ultimate guide to the pro cycling transfer window, tracking every move across the men's and women's WorldTours
Measles Outbreak | Fatal West Nile Virus | Man Found Dead In Restaurant Vent | Music Festival | Schools Remove Sexually Explicit Book
Loading more related stories...
Open the app view to save this story, compare related coverage, and continue from the same source.