Jersey Day dad nominated for Pride of Australia Award for family’s organ donation campaign

The founder of Jersey Day, promoting organ donation, Michael Gremmo has been nominated for a Pride of Australia award.

Michael and Kylie Gremmo with their daughters Ashley and Annaliese last year. Picture: David Swift

The founder of Jersey Day, Michael Gremmo has been nominated for a Pride of Australia award.

The Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, and a whole host of people including children, sporting legends and celebrities wore their favourite sporting jerseys on September 2 to support organ donation.

Jersey Day was started by the Glenhaven dad and his family to encourage people to talk about organ donation.

It was a topic that his son, 13-year-old Nathan, had discussed with his dad just weeks before the teenager died in a road accident near the family’s home last year

When Nathan’s family were asked at The Children’s Hospital, Westmead about organ donation they had no hesitation in saying yes. their decision saved six lives.

“We have never regretted our decision,” said Michael Gremmo. He said he respected people’s choice to say no at a time of great pain which was why having a conversation about organ donation was so important.

He and his wife Kylie and daughters Annaliese and Ashley with the help of Mr Gremmo’s brothers and their families set up Jersey Day in Nathan’s memory.

“The more publicity we can get about organ donation the better,” said Michael Gremmo. “Nathan loved sport so it was an excellent mix.”

The third annual Jersey day is on September 1, 2017.

Mr Gremmo has been nominated for the 2016 Pride Of Australia Medal, supported by Clubs NSW.

You can nominate someone who has inspired you through their dedication, initiative, courage or acts of charity.

They can be a neighbour, friend, team mate, colleague or family member. For more information and to nominate somebody visit prideofaustralia.com.au