A memorial garden has been unveiled in Cardiff to commemorate the legacy of seven-year-old Fraser Bates, who tragically died ten years ago from injuries sustained in a car accident. Fraser’s mother, Anna-Louise Bates, made the decision to donate his organs, ultimately saving four lives. This garden, part of her charity Believe, serves as a space for reflection on organ donation and a tribute to those who give the “gift of life.”
The garden’s opening coincides with the tenth anniversary of organ donation law changes in Wales. On December 1, 2015, Wales became the first part of the UK to implement a “soft” opt-out system for organ donations, which assumes individuals consent to donation unless they explicitly decline. Since the law’s enactment, over 2,000 organs have been donated, including 640 from 198 deceased donors.
Fraser’s story began on a seemingly ordinary day in December 2015. After attending a Christmas party with his family, Fraser and his father, Stuart Bates, were struck by a car driven by a man who later admitted to careless driving. Stuart died instantly, while Fraser, critically injured, was taken to a hospital in Bristol. Despite efforts to save him, his injuries proved too severe, leading to Anna-Louise’s heartbreaking decision to donate his organs.
At the garden’s opening, Anna-Louise reflected on the years of planning that went into creating this space, describing it as the most “overwhelming” experience of her life. She was joined by Roman, a recipient of Fraser’s heart, and his mother Zoe, emphasizing the profound impact of organ donation on families.
The garden features a memorial pond, a trail of handprints from well-known Welsh personalities, and fruit trees donated in memory of loved ones. Visitors can purchase memorial stones engraved with names, allowing them to light a candle in honor of those who have passed. The garden is intended to be a sanctuary for families affected by organ donation, offering a place to reflect and express gratitude to donors.
Despite the increase in organ donor consent rates following the law’s introduction, recent data from the NHS Blood and Transplant service (NHSBT) indicates a decline in consent rates, reaching the lowest level in a decade last year. Anthony Clarkson, director of organ donation and transplant at NHSBT, stated that while deemed consent has provided additional organs for transplant, it is not a comprehensive solution. He urged individuals in Wales to register their organ donation preferences, emphasizing the importance of making their wishes known.
The establishment of the Believe garden marks a significant step in honoring Fraser Bates’ legacy and promoting awareness of organ donation. It serves as a poignant reminder of the lives that can be saved through selfless acts of kindness and the enduring impact of one young boy’s life.
