An NHS nurse who dedicated her life to helping others has saved four lives through organ donation after her death. Pauline Thornton, 62, worked for Hull University Teaching Hospitals for 42 years before dying from a brain haemorrhage in February. She donated her heart, kidneys, and liver.
Pauline's daughter Claire Thornton, also a nurse in Hull, said her mother showed generosity 'her whole life' and was able to help others 'even in death'. Pauline began her nursing career in 1984 as a scrub nurse at Hull Royal Infirmary and later became charge nurse at Castle Hill Hospital. Despite taking flexible retirement in 2019, she continued working in paediatric theatres at Hull Women and Children's Hospital and volunteered with Hull Help for Refugees.
Staff are now planning to climb Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough to raise funds for NHS Blood and Transplant Charity and Hull Help for Refugees. Janine Tate, specialist nurse in organ donation at Hull United Teaching Hospitals, was with Pauline's family when they made the decision to donate. 'They knew it was what Pauline would have wanted. She's spent a lifetime helping others,' she said.
Claire hopes sharing her mother's story will raise awareness of organ donation. 'It can feel like an incredibly difficult decision at the worst moment of a family's life, but knowing your loved one's wishes can bring comfort and clarity,' she said. The family is grateful for the support received and continues to honour Pauline's legacy.
