A colourful, ‘floating’ sculpture, which aims to recognise the life-changing contribution that local organ and tissue donors have made and help raise awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation, has been unveiled by NHS Forth Valley.

The sculpture by artist Hans K Clausen – entitled Everyone Everyday Evermore – was unveiled on Monday 23 September 2024 in the atrium of Forth Valley Royal Hospital. The idea was conceived by donors, recipients, clinicians and supporters on NHS Forth Valley’s Organ and Tissue Donation Committee, who wanted an artwork that is both a memorial and a celebration, and one that will enhance the hospital environment for years to come.

The vibrant, cloud-like sculpture is formed from signatures and hand-written names collected from across the healthcare community and from individuals whose lives have been affected by organ and tissue donation. The 366 signatures (one for each day of the year, including leap years) were enlarged and laser cut from fluorescent acrylic.

Artist Hans Clausen said: “Handwriting, like fingerprints, represents individuality, while the act of signing your name is a ritual rooted in agreements, contracts, consents and commitments. The value of each individual and the importance of collective community meet with equal significance in the process and experiences of those whose lives are affected by organ donation or transplant.

“I hope the final sculpture will do justice to all the people, stories and experiences that have contributed to its evolution and that it can communicate a narrative and legacy of generosity and hope.”

Former NHS Forth Valley nurse and member of NHS Forth Valley’s Organ Donation Committee, Jane Hall, whose husband George collapsed after experiencing a catastrophic brain haemorrhage with no chance of recovery, officially unveiled the new sculpture. She said: “Organ donation was the easiest decision I made that day because we had conversations as a family. I am very proud of George – his kidneys, heart, liver and pancreas saved the lives of others.

“This is not just a memorial for the donors and recipients, but a reminder that people are about today because of the choices they made; because of the conversations they had with loved ones.”

Attendees included Irene McCusker, whose deceased son Graeme donated his lungs, kidneys and eye tissue, and the Dewar family – dad Blair donated a kidney to son Nathan, while twin brother Daniel also received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor.

The unveiling of the new memorial sculpture was part of a programme of wider events to celebrate Organ and Tissue Donation Week, where healthcare organisations, charities, and communities across the UK will come together to promote organ and tissue donation. People are also encouraged to record their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and discuss this with their loved ones to help ensure their wishes are honoured.

The project was funded by NHS Forth Valley’s Organ and Tissue Donation Committee with financial and in-kind support from Artlink Central, ForthHealth, Serco and FES. Huge thanks to local Consultant Jey Selwyn and his family who perform as the Sunbeam Singers and the Freedom in Mind Choir for providing musical entertainment during the launch event.

You can find out more about the sculpture here and read more local case studies on Organ Donation Page of the NHS Forth Valley website. Although an opt-out system is now in place in Scotland it is still really important that your record your decision on the NHS Organ Donation Register and tell your friends and family as knowing your wishes will make it easier for them to ensure they are honoured.