donor: Richard Cubbins' organs helped others after his death

A 36-YEAR-OLD man has been hailed as a lifesaver and an example to others by the deputy coroner for Bolton after an inquest was told his organs had been donated following his death.

Richard Cubbins' mother, Lynda, told the hearing into his death that he had expressed a wish to become an organ donor after watching a television programme.

Mrs Cubbins said: "He said that organs were of no use after death. His heart, liver, kidney and skin tissue were taken and all have been used."

Deputy coroner Alan Walsh described Mr Cubbins, of Aston Gardens, Farnworth, as a "credit to himself and his family" for expressing his wish to become an organ donor.

He added: "If more people like Richard Cubbins gave their organs for the benefit of others, it would save lives. I thank the family for taking those actions after his death."

Mr Cubbins, a former Manchester University student, died on July 31 after being rushed in the Royal Bolton Hospital the day before. He was found in a collapsed state at his girlfriend's home in Bentley Court, Farnworth.

Tests revealed that he had taken heroin and suffered a heart attack.

Mrs Cubbins told the inquest she was unaware that her son was taking heroin. And friends said they only knew that Mr Cubbins had taken heroin two weeks before he died. He was described by friends as "anti-drugs".

Consultant pathologist Isabelle Hanson described him as "showing no signs of long-term drug abuse".

Mr Walsh recorded a verdict of death caused by abuse of heroin.

He said: "I accept Richard Cubbins did not take heroin over a long period of time. This is another example of a waste of life of an intelligent man who could have made much of himself.

"He made aware his desire to have his organs made available for transplant, saying that they would be wasted otherwise. He is an immense credit to himself and his family."

9:47am Wednesday 23rd January 2008

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