In a profound final act of generosity, a beloved Swansea grandfather has given the ultimate gift, with his organ and tissue donations saving or transforming the lives of more than 10 people.
A Family's Heartbreaking Decision
Mick Coates, a 71-year-old local known for his clever mind and generous spirit, suffered a catastrophic brain bleed around Christmas. Faced with the devastating news that his condition was unsurvivable, his grieving family at John Hunter Hospital were approached by a specialist donation nurse.
The nurse, armed with compassion and "half a dozen boxes" of tissues, guided Mick's wife and sister, Kate Coates, through the possibility of organ donation. While the family was unaware of his donor status, a check of his records confirmed he was registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register.
"She explained to us what Mick's current condition was and that it was unsurvivable," Ms Coates recounted. "We were in and out of tears the whole day... but with that little glimmer of happiness that Mick could be a donor."
The Ripple Effect of a Single Gift
Honouring Mick's wishes, the family consented. After two days on life support, he was taken for surgery—a moment his sister describes as watching "a dozen people bawling their eyes out." Despite being almost 72, Mick's health allowed for a remarkably generous donation.
Described as a gentle, funny man with an outstanding ability to connect with young people, Mick's legacy now extends far beyond his family and community in Swansea. His story, shared by Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi, has sparked hundreds of reactions and personal stories from transplant recipients.
"It's a terrible burden of grief that's on our shoulders, so this gift that he's given is some comfort in that terrible journey of grief," Ms Coates said, hoping the ripples of his kindness would spread widely.
The Critical Need for Donor Registration
The national spotlight on Mick's story underscores a vital health message. According to the latest 2024 data, since the national program began in 2009, 19,469 people have received life-saving transplants from 6,944 deceased donors.
However, Trina Ripoll, a Donate Life donation specialist coordinator, emphasises the rarity of donation. Only about two per cent of people who die in Australian hospitals meet the strict medical criteria.
Currently, about 1,800 people are on the organ transplant waiting list, with another 14,000 on dialysis due to kidney failure. The registration rates in the Hunter region show room for growth, with 59% of the eligible population in Lake Macquarie registered and 55% in Newcastle.
Ms Ripoll stresses the importance of families having the conversation. "We have found that around eight in 10 families say yes to donation when they know what their family member's wishes are," she said. "When the family doesn't know... that drops to about four in 10."
One registered donor can save up to seven lives and help many more through tissue donation. Registration is a simple, one-minute process for anyone aged 16 and over at the Donate Life website.
Mick Coates' final, selfless act stands as a powerful testament to how a single decision can create waves of life and hope, offering comfort to a grieving family and a future to strangers in need.
