So Proud She Helped 5 Lives

04 April 2009

A young Gisborne woman who died yesterday after a serious crash on State Highway 2 north of Wairoa on Saturday has given five others a second chance at life.

Sarah Page, 21, was a donor, who would have wanted to help others even in death, her parents Gary and Raewyn Page said this morning.

"She lived life to the full and took every opportunity at life with both hands," said Mr Page.

"My daughter has given me a lot of strength.

She was the sort of person who lit up a room when she walked in. Everybody loved her."

Sarah worked at Verve Cafe where her vivacious personality meant she was popular with staff and customers alike.

"Even in this terrible time, she gave of herself" said Mrs Page.

Her kidneys and liver were her life-saving gifts to others, as well as her corneas, which her parents hope have given someone new sight.

In that way Sarah lives on, says her mother.

Her parents flew from Australia after the crash and were with her at Wellington Hospital when the life support system was turned off yesterday.

The couple were grateful to the team at intensive care there who had fought so hard to try to save her.

"We were both there when she was born and we were both there when she died," said Mr Page.

"We were so lucky to be given that opportunity to say goodbye to her - some people don't have that chance," said Mrs Page.

Sarah attended Girls' High School and was a keen drummer. She is survived by her two brothers, her sister and her new nephew Ryan. Gisborne Herald 4th February 2009