The family of a young man with Down's Syndrome whose organs saved the lives of three other people after his death say that selfless decision to donate represents his legacy.
Eashan Madan died last year aged 27 following complications from surgery on a rare heart condition.
He had decided to join the organ donation register in 2018, and his kidneys went to two women in their 20s and 30s, and his liver to a man in his 40s. His pancreas has also been donated for medical research which could help to save further lives in the future.
Eashan's mum Dr Suvira Madan, who is a Consultant Geriatrician at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Losing him has been the hardest thing, but his decision to donate his organs represents his legacy now. It is very fitting for the type of person he was. He was very kind and caring and always saw the good in people. His motto in life was always 'how can I help?' He was an inspirational role model even whilst living and now this noble act of generosity has given happiness to at least three families."
Eashan lived a full and rich life, working multiple jobs and having a busy social life. Among his roles was a supported internship with the catering team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, where he spent a year working in the Clocktower and Hallamshire dining rooms and in outpatient departments. He was then able to go on to jobs at Sheffield railway station and Chatsworth House, earning a qualification in damp cleaning, and volunteered with a food bank during Covid.
Eashan attend the Talbot Specialist School in Sheffield, where he excelled and was a member of the student council. He achieved his Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award and National Citizenship Award, before going on to achieve maths, English and catering qualifications at Sheffield College.
He had a busy social life and many friends, and was known to many for his DJing at the Leadmill in Sheffield. He was also in a band and loved art and animation, including learning how to make animated films.
Suvira said: "He was always busy and active. We were blessed that he was able to lead a very healthy and fulfilling life, and he really showed that people with Down's Syndrome can lead independent lives and contribute a lot to society."
The first sign that something was wrong with Easan was when he developed a dry cough, and investigations revealed a serious heart condition requiring surgery.
When the severity of the situation became apparent, the fact that Eashan and his parents had had the conversation about organ donation meant they knew what his wishes were and that they wanted the donation to go ahead.
Suvira said: "Me and my husband Sanjeev are both on the donor register, and we also have personal experience of someone we know who has benefitted from organ donation. So we had had the conversation and Eashan's decision was that he wanted to donate. We felt that irrespective of his disability, if he could donate and he wanted to then he should. My message is that you shouldn't think of disability, race, class or anything like that - if you can donate, then you should do it."
The Yorkshire Organ Donation Services Team took the family through the donation process.
Eashan's mum said: "They were one of the best teams we've ever seen. They were very kind, they explained the procedure of what's going to happen and supported us as well and made sure that we had lot of memories. We could be there 24/7, his brother Rishin was able to spend Eashan's last night with him, and we could take his thumbprints and a lock of his hair."
The family have received letters from the recipients of Eashan's organs, expressing their gratitude for his gift and the positive impact it has had on their lives and the lives of their families.
"It is like the best certificate you can ever have," said Suvira. "We can't reverse what has happened, but organ donation has helped us come to terms with out bereavement. We couldn't save Eashan's life, but he has saved three lives."
Black, Asian and minority ethnic patients often have to wait significantly longer for a successful match than white patients, due to a shortage of suitably matched donors.
