A SCULPTURE has been unveiled to pay tribute to people who have given the gift of life through organ donation.

The 8ft Portland stone creation celebrating the role of donors and their families in helping patients in need was opened in the gardens of Poole Hospital.

A poem written by children from Lytchett Minster School is inscribed on one face while a butterfly, oak leaf and open hand motifs symbolise new life, growth and giving.

The artwork was the brainchild of Dr Spike Briggs, consultant intensivist and the hospital's organ donation lead. Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust were commissioned by the Trust's organ donation committee to supply the sculpture, which was paid for by charitable funds. It part of a national initiative aimed at recognising the contribution made by donors and their families as well as raising the profile of organ donation.

Poole Hospital chairman Angela Schofield, said: “It has been inspired by the most invaluable gift you can give to anyone – the gift of life and hope, and we are indebted to their selflessness. There are two groups of people - those who think and plan and commit to being an organ donor and the families who haven’t committed but have to make a really difficult decision when they are at their most wretched. The sculpture is to acknowledge those people, to celebrate the tremendous impact they have on people and to show there is hope.

"This is a great opportunity to draw attention to the impact donors make and to improve awareness of organ donation."

For more information about organ donation, go to www.nhsbt.nhs.uk