Father’s Day event shines light on organ donation

DADS and students wore their favourite jerseys to celebrate Father’s Day and in honour of organ donor Nathan Gremmo who tragically died last year.

Barnier Public School at Quakers Hill hosted a Fathers Day barbecue in conjunction with Jersey Day to in honour of Nathan Gremmo whose organs were donated after he tragically died last year. Photo: Peter Kelly

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Barnier Public School students and their dads celebrated Father’s Day while raising awareness of organ donation last week.

The early Father’s Day barbecue was held in conjunction with Jersey Day, to help raise awareness for organ donation after Glenhaven youngster Nathan Gremmo, who died last year, saved six lives.

“It was the perfect opportunity for the kids to recognise the tragedy, because it was someone their age that made the amazing donation to help others,” Barnier Public School acting principal Sharon Moon said.

Jayson Cortez with Neo, age 6, celebrate Father’s Day.

Troy Donaldson with Chloe, age 7, are all smiles.

“When it is one of their peers, it hits home with the kids a bit more. They know that good can come out of tragedy and save lives.”

Jersey Day was designed to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation and the importance of making a donation decision.

Greg Thompson with Holly enjoy the barbecue.

Nathan, 13, was crossing Glenhaven Rd in May last year when he was struck by a car. He died in hospital the next day.

The tragedy occurred just two weeks after Nathan, inspired by a documentary he saw about organ donation, had a discussion on the subject with his parents, Michael and Kylie.

Jersey Day was held on September 2, when people at schools and workplaces were encouraged to wear their favourite sporting jersey to school or work to show their support for the DonateLife Network, have a conversation with friends and families about organ and tissue donation and register their decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register.

Grant Reeves with Cooper, Jackson and Ellie.