Six lives saved by tragic Pc

A West Midlands Police officer who died suddenly at the age of 33 has saved six lives by donating her organs, her family revealed today.

Pc Michelle Stackhouse collapsed at home hours before she was due to be admitted to New Cross Hospital for tests.

The officer, who had been feeling unwell for just a few weeks, had her life-support machine turned off after her blood vessels swelled and caused brain stem damage.

But the former New Cross Hospital worker's heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and pancreas were retained and have given the gift of life to six patients.

The 49-year-old grandmother given Pc Stackhouse's heart has now written to the Bilston officer's family, saying: "I want you to know that the gift you have given me will be cherished and looked after for the rest of my life."

Other people to be saved include:

* A 60-year-old grandfather who was "overjoyed" at receiving a double lung transplant

* A 17-year-old girl given days to live after suffering liver failure

* A 57-year-old man who received a left kidney transplant after being on a waiting list since 2003

* A 42-year-old man who is recovering well after receiving Pc Stackhouse's pancreas

* A 43-year-old mother who received a kidney and who now wants to work as a carer.

Pc Stackhouse's mother Christine, aged 61, said today: "Michelle felt very strongly about donating her organs, not that you expect it to really happen.

"We got an organ donor card together about 10 years ago.

"She's saved six lives. We're very proud. It was lovely of the lady who had the heart to write and I intend to write back.

Pc Stackhouse, who lived with her parents on the Stafford Road at Oxley, died as a result of systemic vasculitis, which is an inflammation of blood vessels, but the trigger will never be known.

Charlotte Whittingham, donor co-ordinator at the NHS directorate of organ donation and transplantation, has now written to Pc Stackhouse's family.

She said: "I would like to thank you on behalf of the recipients whose lives have and will be changed by the amazing gift your daughter and family have given."