Widow Shares Story of Husband’s Sudden Death and Organ Donation

Mark Hutchinson was just 52 when he died suddenly last year after suffering two unexpected strokes. His wife, Arlene, says they had never talked about organ donation, but she instinctively knew it was something he would have wanted.

Now, she and their 12-year-old son, Jack, find comfort in knowing that Mark helped save or transform the lives of four others.

“He lives on in four people. That can only be a good thing,” Arlene said.

The family, from near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, hope their experience encourages others to talk about organ donation—and raises awareness about the risk of strokes, even in otherwise healthy people.

Arlene, 51, who works in marketing, met Mark in 2004. They became a couple in 2007 and married in New York in 2010. Their son Jack was born in 2012, and soon after they welcomed a pet dog, Luna, into the family.

“We had a really happy life together, the three of us,” Arlene said, describing their active, healthy lifestyle.

But last summer, everything changed.

While Arlene and Jack were out walking Luna, Mark was getting ready for a family event. When they returned, he was visibly distressed.

“He told me he didn’t feel right and had fallen. He wasn’t himself—his tongue was numb, and then his speech started to slur. One side of his face dropped,” she recalled.

They recognised the signs of a stroke and called an ambulance. At the hospital, doctors found a blood clot in Mark’s brain. Though conscious and sitting up, he was admitted to the stroke ward.

Initially, doctors were hopeful about recovery. But days later, Mark suffered a second stroke and lost consciousness. A scan confirmed devastating brain damage.

“There was no good outcome,” Arlene said. “I knew Mark would never want to live in a state where he couldn’t do anything for himself. Telling Jack was the hardest thing I’ll ever do.”

As she began to process the reality, Arlene spoke to the organ donation team.

“We decided it was the right thing. Mark was going to die, and knowing the person he was, I’m certain he would have wanted to help others,” she said.

Mark passed away two days later. His organs were donated to four recipients, and the family has since heard from one of them—a person whose life was completely changed after receiving Mark’s kidneys.

Arlene praised the organ donation team for the compassion they showed during their darkest time. “They cared for Mark and for us with so much dignity and respect.”

Recently, Arlene and Jack helped unveil a new art installation at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, honouring organ donors. The piece, created by artist Shelagh Swanson, involved relatives of donors and secondary school pupils from across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, including Stonehaven, Kemnay, Huntly, Inverurie and Peterhead.

“I’m honoured to have been part of this,” Arlene said. “I’m in awe of what the small but dedicated organ donation team achieves and will be forever grateful.”

Organ Donation in Scotland

Since 2021, Scotland has adopted an opt-out system for organ donation. This means all adults are considered potential donors unless they have chosen to opt out. Exemptions apply to those under 16 and individuals who are unable to understand the law, such as some people with dementia.

The change aims to increase the number of life-saving and life-enhancing transplants. Those who wish not to donate can opt out via the Organ Donation Scotland website.

Arlene said her husband was a naturally caring and joyful person: “He just wanted to spread joy. He had the biggest smile and the warmest heart. He was always so happy.”

Reflecting on his sudden loss, she added: “We still don’t know why it happened—it was completely out of the blue. Over a year has passed, and every day is still hard. Our lives have changed forever.”

Now 13, Jack remembers his father as “joyful and upbeat.”

“He was fun and always did silly things to make us laugh,” he said. “Knowing he helped four people is a comfort. I’m very proud.”