Tree planted at St Bernard’s Hospital in memory of first GHA organ donor

A tree has been planted at St Bernard’s Hospital in memory of Juan Jesus Vecino, whose organ donation became the first ever carried out by the GHA.

Juan Jesus died unexpectedly aged 48 in January. His family agreed to donate his vital organs to patients awaiting transplants in the UK.

His sister Maria said the family hoped something positive could come from their loss by helping to save lives and give others a second chance.

A plaque was also unveiled in his memory, with the tree intended to serve as a lasting symbol of his gift.

Pictured is Juan Jesus's 12-year-old son Noah with Health Minister Gemma Arias Vasquez.