Tower tribute to organ donor who saved eight lives

The name of a young woman with epilepsy who saved eight lives through organ donation will shine out from Blackpool Tower on a day dedicated to raising awareness of the condition.

Jessica Shaw, from Blackpool, died aged 33 in March 2023 from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

On Wednesday her parents have arranged for the landmark to be lit in purple in her memory, just over two years after her death.

Celebrated annually on 26 March, Purple Day is an internationally recognised day focused on sharing information about epilepsy worldwide.

Jessica's mum Gillian Whittaker said: "Jessica was a beautiful person inside and out and was loved and cherished by all her friends and family. She gave the biggest hugs and had the brightest smile.

"Jessica was loving and giving, and donating her organs says everything about who she was as a person. We are so proud of her final selfless act."

Jessica was diagnosed with epilepsy aged six but despite the challenges she faced lived a full life, including 18 months travelling around and working in Australia, where she climbed Sydney Harbour Bridge and swam in the Great Barrier Reef.

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