Following the death of her son Tom, aged just 22, in December 2015, Lisa Wilson has been able to take some comfort from an important decision he made before he died.

Tom had registered as an organ donor while studying at Nottingham Trent University, with his organs going on to help save and improve the lives of 50 people following his death in a hockey accident.

Lisa, of Hornchurch, said: “People are alive because of him. We didn’t know he had registered to be an organ donor, but we were already thinking about it.

“Next of kin can object to organ donation despite their loved one registering as a donor, which is why it’s really important for people to speak to those close to them about their choices.”

Since losing Tom, Lisa has become an advocate for organ donation, setting up the Tom Wilson Memorial Fund. This Organ Donation Week (18 to 24 September) saw a local bus campaign launch with Tom’s picture and story, to encourage others to register to be a donor.

Lisa, also mum to Pippa, 28, faced another tragedy not long after losing Tom when her husband Graham died eight weeks later.

She added: “His last wish was to keep Tom’s legacy alive, and Pippa and I have met some of the recipients of his organs.

“If this bus campaign convinces just one person to confirm their choice, it’s been worthwhile.”

The family are still in touch with Fatima, who received part of Tom’s liver when she was just two, and Gordon, who received his heart.

Our Chief People Officer, Janine La Rosa, who met Lisa at River Road Bus Garage in Barking to see the new campaign on Wednesday 27 September, said: “Tom’s story is a powerful reminder of the significant impact of organ donation on the lives of others.

“It was a pleasure to meet Lisa and hear more about the important work she has been doing to raise awareness about organ donation and keep Tom’s memory alive.”

Lisa also volunteers for the BHRUT Organ Donation Committee and is a London ambassador for organ donation. Along with the new bus advertising, her recent campaigning includes a stall at Lakeside Shopping Centre to mark Emergency Services Day, radio appearances, and supporting fundraising for an organ donation memorial sculpture at the Royal London Hospital, where Tom’s donations took place.

Find out more about organ donation, you can also register your decision to be a donor online