Organ recipients alive 25 years after tragedy: Love and lives live on

LOVE letters aren’t usually like this but the note Newtown’s Jenny and Bruce Richmond wrote to their two sons, who died 25 years ago, is as moving as any – and as heart-warming.
The Richmonds live with their grief every day. But others live on because of their boys.
Darren and Adam Richmond, then aged 21 and 18, were just setting out on adulthood when it all came to shattering halt in a Melbourne car accident.
Their parents penned in a moving memoriam last week:
“Adam, all your organ recipients are still alive. I believe you both are giving these fortunate people so much encouragement to keep going because they were given another chance at life.’’
Ms Richmond said Adam’s organs went to four people, giving them and their families the extraordinary, precious gift of life.
“His heart went to a mother in Sydney. Her heart was transplanted by Dr Victor Change just before he was murdered – I believe it was his last operation,’’ Ms Richmond told the Independent.
“A little three-month-old girl with three weeks to live received his liver.
“A 38-year-old father of 11 received a kidney – he’s now a grandfather.
“The other kidney went to a 14-year-old boy.’’
Mr Richmond explained that Darren died at the scene. Adam was pronounced brain dead at hospital where doctors asked the family about organ donation.
They agreed it was what he would have wanted, Mr Richmond said.
And so life goes for the recipients but also for the Richmonds, as evidenced in their remarkable letter.
“Mum and Dad miss you so much. It is hard to believe, since we had to say goodbye to you both,” they wrote.
“You have two beautiful nieces, Holly and Lucy, who are the most adorable children. We talk about you both often.
“All your friends have moved on in their lives and have beautiful families.
“I believe that you both have caught up with your relatives that have passed.
“Miss them all but most of all we miss you both so much.
“Love Mum, Dad and family. ‘’