A WIDOW who lost her cameraman husband a year ago has spoken out to encourage people to donate corneas when they die.

Avril Carter, from Ruthin, is marking the first anniversary of her husband John’s cornea donation with her appeal. John who had suffered from cancer, knew he was eligible to donate his eyes for corneal transplant and was the first person to donate his corneas in the Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff for several years.

As a result the hospice has started an initiative to encourage donations. It has pledged to raise awareness of corneal donation among patients receiving end of life care and is encouraging everyone to talk about their decision with their loved ones.

Since John’s death, 44 patients at the hospice have donated their corneas to enable sight restorative procedures for as many as 88 patients.

Avril said: “As a family, we’ve always been passionate about giving back. John wholeheartedly believed in helping others through organ donation, so when he learnt the cancer had eliminated his chance of donating his internal organs, he asked about his options. He was a professional cameraman and loved photography, so his sight was particularly important to him. That’s why he decided to donate his corneas.”

The cornea is the clear tissue on the front of the eye that helps the eye focus light. This small and simple part of the eye is hugely important for thousands of transplants a year, often saving the sight of patients.

Avril added: "It would have given him great comfort to know he has been able to help someone regain their sight. The initiative the hospice has taken from John’s donation has given us as a family an amazing legacy, one he would have been so proud of and humbled by.”

Lowri Evans, a palliative medicine doctor who cared for John at the hospice said: “Not all the restrictions that apply to organ donation are applicable to corneal donation. So often people who cannot donate their organs may be able to donate their corneas.

“If you would like to donate your corneas the important thing is to discuss your decision with your loved ones and relatives, so they are aware of your decision.”

You can register to be a tissue or organ donor at any time, at any age, by calling 0300 123 23 23 or visiting https://beta.gov.wales/talk-about-organ-donation-campaign or by telling your family and friends.