Weybridge mum tells how son's death gave life to five others

1:50pm Saturday 22nd November 2008

By Louise Robertson

While Irene Monem kept vigil by her dying son’s bedside, she had no idea his initiative to tick a donor box on his driving licence would save five lives and help many more.

Sameer Monem fought for his life for three days after a car crash in Heath Road, Weybridge, on Monday, November 3.

The 28-year-old had been out for a meal with his girlfriend Nel when the car she was driving spun out of control just minutes from their home in St George’s Avenue.

When he realised the car was heading towards a tree, he grabbed the wheel to save her and took the impact himself.

“I will mourn my son but his death has helped so many people. People are desperate for organs and everybody should at least consider signing up,” said his mother Irene.

“We didn’t know what my son’s wishes were but he had already taken care of it and put himself on the donor list.

“Everybody at the hospital was just incredible. We knew he was dying but they never said there’s no hope, they were first class and worked until the end.”

A seven-year-old girl with a rare genetic disease received part of his liver, allowing her to leave her paediatric intensive care unit.

A NHS Blood and Transplant spokesman said: “I am told that her mum and dad are extremely thankful to be given a second chance for their oldest child, and are looking forward to her returning home well, to meet her three-week-old sister.”

Sameer’s liver also gave a 55-year-old dad-of-two a second chance, letting him to live a healthy life again after suffering chronic liver failure.

A 42-year-old man with renal failure received his kidneys, along with a 40-year-old woman who was said to be very grateful for the “special gift”.

His heart went to a 65-year-old man who was so unwell he was placed at the top of the transplant list. He is now able to exercise around his hospital ward.

Irene said: “People flew in from all around the world when they heard about the accident. He was a young man so full of life and he was always smiling. His smile took up his face.

“I put a photo of him on his chest saying this is my son because it wasn’t my son lying in that hospital bed. People couldn’t relate to that body there because his face was quite swollen.”

Because Sameer was a Muslim, his body was turned to face Mecca on the day of his funeral.

“When we turned his body the sun came out. Then the rain came pouring down and behind us two rainbows came out. Everybody cheered,” said Irene.

“His friends were all upset but I told them life goes on. I said there will be hiccups along the way but it shouldn’t break you up or destroy you.”

Her positivity is inspirational and when asked where she finds her strength she replied: “I’ve got two boys and they were all close, so I have to be strong for them. I need to be there for them and be careful. They don’t bottle it up because boys don’t always verbalise their feelings.”

Despite her strength, the morning after her son died, Irene woke up and began to wonder if she did a good job as a mother.

Irene said: “I felt a pounding on my chest and God said ‘He is with me. I gave you three days to mourn his body, I don’t give that to everyone. I could’ve taken him there and then. Where would you rather he be than with me?’ “I’m a woman that deals in fact so I don’t know why I had this experience but it has brought me so much peace because I know he is OK. I really believe it was just his time to leave.

“As a result of Sameer’s death so many people have signed up as organ donors. I’m so glad so much good has come of it.”