A bronze sculpture of a butterfly has been unveiled at Whiston Hospital in recognition of the work to support tissue donation.

The bespoke artwork was donated by NHS Blood and Transplant and now takes pride of place in the centre of the Organ Donation Garden at the front of the hospital.

It recognises the life-changing impact that transplants have thanks to the selflessness of donors and their loved ones.

This week Chief Executive Ann Marr OBE joined hospital colleagues, artist Julia Hennessy-Priest, and guests from NHSBT to celebrate the installation of the artwork.

Staff were also delighted to welcome Neil, Jeff, and Andy Lindley to join them, three brothers whose dad David sadly passed away at the Trust in 2022 and donated his corneas, giving the gift of sight to two other people.

Chief Executive Ann Marr OBE said: “We are overjoyed with the gift of this beautiful artwork recognizing our support for tissue donation at the Trust - the butterfly sculpture looks wonderfully at home in our Organ Donation Garden.

“I’m immensely proud of the role the Trust plays in facilitating donation and enriching the lives of tissue recipients. I’m also so grateful that Neil, Jeff, and Andy were able to join our celebration today, this artwork recognises so many local families like theirs”.

(Image: The statue was unveiled this week)

Emma Winstanley, Lead Nurse for NHSBT Tissue and Eye Services said: “Over the last 20 years of my nursing career, I have had the privilege of working with colleagues at Whiston Hospital to encourage the conversation around eye and tissue donation at such a difficult time for families.

“Eye donation and the gift of sight truly transforms patients’ lives and this can be a very special comfort to families knowing that this gift is being given by your loved one. It was lovely to be able to share this genuinely reflective moment with all colleagues, the artist Julia Hennessey Priest, members of the Lindley family and in particular CEO Ann Marr who has supported me in this work for such a long time”.

Julia Hennessy-Priest said of the inspiration behind the artwork: “The butterfly is a symbol of transformation, hope and resilience, while the symbolism of a forget-me-not flower is traditionally and historically that of remembrance - for those we've lost, never to be forgotten.

“To be commissioned to design and make a sculpture as a commemoration of all donors and as a reminder of the significance and importance of organ and tissue donation was and is so important to me, I felt honoured to be asked”.

Jeff Lindley added: “Seeing the sculpture for the first time is really emotional for us. It’s the first time I have been back to the hospital since dad died in June 2022. It’s an amazing reminder of what our dad did and we couldn’t be more proud of him.’’