A teenage boy who was killed in a horrific gym accident has saved the lives of seven people – including three kids – through organ donation.
Ben Shaw, 15, was stuck underneath a 98 kilogram barbell for up to 30 minutes before being rushed to a Brisbane hospital with serious injuries.
His family were forced to turn off his life support three days later, but his donated organs have since given three children and four adults a new lease on life.
His mother Dayla Shaw told the Courier Mail how proud she was of her ‘amazing, mature and kind’ son and how happy he would have been ‘knowing that he has saved a couple of other lives’.
The organs of Ben Shaw, 15, have granted three children and four adults a new lease on life
Ben’s mother said donating his organs so that others could live is what he would have wanted
Ms Shaw said Ben would not have hesitated to give his body to those who needed it.
In addition to saving seven lives, two adults have had their sight restored and a further three children will be saved when his heart valves are donated.
‘It’s the most selfless act I think you can give and in the darkest time,’ she said, adding that saving lives is undoubtedly what her son would have wanted.
Even though nothing is going to bring back her son, Ms Shaw said that the best possible outcome of his death was bring joy to families and parents of children who now have new hope.
Ben was reportedly stuck for up to 30 minutes beneath the heavy barbell after it fell on his neck at the Pine Rivers PCYC gym in Brisbane, on Wednesday morning.
Left with serious injuries the 15-year-old was rushed to hospital, before his family was forced to make the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life support on Saturday.
Her son’s death has prompted Ms Shaw to demand change at the local gym, saying she would be ‘heartbroken’ if it ever happened to another family.
Hours after switching off his son’s life support, Ben’s father took to Facebook to post a photo of his son smiling and wearing a Cowboys hat ahead of the NRL grand final match last September
Investigators continue to examine the teenager’s death, but Ms Shaw has urged others to consider registering to become organ donors.
‘It would’ve been a no-brainer for him,’ she said. ‘He would’ve had such a simplistic outlook on it – ‘why wouldn’t you donate organs?’. Give someone else the opportunity to not have to suffer.’
The organs of one healthy person can save the lives of up to ten other people. Ms Shaw is also calling on all who are able to bring up to the topic of organ donation with their families.
Staff at the Pine Rivers PCYC local gym administered first aid to Ben before he was hospitalised
Tributes have flowed for the young weightlifter, with his junior rugby league club releasing a statement telling how Ben had left a ‘legacy’ by being able to donate his organs (pictured)
Tributes have flowed for the young weightlifter, with his rugby league club releasing a statement telling how Ben had left a ‘legacy’ by being able to donate his organs.
‘Yesterday afternoon they (the Shaw family) lost their beautiful Ben,’ the statement by Pine Central Holy Spirit Hornets read.
‘(He) has been able to leave a legacy by donating his tissue and organs to enable recipients have their lives saved and changed forever as a result.
‘As a club we will be assisting to see the world through Ben’s eyes and ensure his legacy lives on in support of his parent’s and family.’
The gym where he suffered the injuries has been closed ever since the incident.
The announcement of his death came ahead of the NRL Grand Final, with Ben a big fan of the North Queensland Cowboys who will take on the Melbourne Storm.
Hours after switching off his son’s life support, Ben’s father took to Facebook to post a photo of his son smiling and wearing a Cowboys hat.
Friends of Ben said he was a regular at the gym and had been competing in junior weightlifting competitions across the state.
‘We are deeply saddened by this incident and are offering support to all PCYC Pine Rivers members and staff,’ PCYC Queensland chief Phil Schultz said.
‘We will also offer support to family and friends of the young man involved.’
Two staff members at the gym performed first aid on Ben until paramedics could arrive and rush him to hospital.
Worksafe Queensland has launched an investigation and the Pine Rivers PCYC has been closed until further notice.