Senator Derryn Hinch to champion organ donor cause

NEWLY elected Senator Derryn Hinch will campaign for one million more people to sign on as organ donors as he paid tribute to the donor family who saved his life.

Lynda Gardner says Hinch is like family to her now. Picture: Tim Carrafa

NEWLY elected Senator Derryn Hinch will campaign for one million more people to sign on as organ donors as he paid tribute to the donor family who saved his life.

Hinch was reunited with Lynda Gardner, mother of Heath from whom he received his liver five years ago.

The “human headline” former talk radio host had been given just weeks to live when the transplant ­occurred following Heath’s sudden death.

“Without the generosity of this family I would not be here. I was two weeks away from carking it,’’ Hinch said.

The pair had not seen each other for two years, however have always stayed in touch, with Ms Gardner reaching out to Hinch on election day as she and her two daughters cast their votes in his favour.

She said she considered Hinch part of her family and his robust embrace of his second chance at life had helped her cope with the death of her son.

“I’m glad something positive has come out of our of loss,’’ she said.

“I was thinking about him (Hinch) a lot on the election day because it was so close to the anniversary of my son’s death. I sent Derryn a text to let him know we were thinking of him and to wish him good luck … and to let him know how proud we are of what he has done.

Hinch arrives to vote on election day. Picture: Getty Images

“I describe it as bittersweet. Every time I see Derryn it is a reminder that I have lost my son.

“But it feels lovely to have the chance to actually see the results of making the organ donation.

“To me, Derryn is living proof of how important that donation is.

“There will always be a connection between my family and Derryn … (to him) you are family to me.’’

Hinch said he valued the precious relationship he had with the Gardners and the sensitivities it entailed.

“It is a two-edged sword. It is lovely that they are so happy that I have achieved something and have not wasted what they gave me, but it is always a constant ­reminder,” he said.

“It is a different form of grieving that has not ended.’’

Inspired by his lifesaving gift, Hinch said organ ­donation was a cause he would champion once he took his place in Canberra.

He said he believed it was possible to sign at least one million new organ donors and bring about the faster introduction of a donor registry app. There are now 6.2 million people on the Australian Organ Donor Register, with 150,008 signing up during the 2015-16 ­financial year.

Hinch said while the enormity of his Senate victory was still sinking in, he was looking forward to starting his new career in politics at 72, an age when many are considering winding back their commitments.

“I have set one record already,’’ Hinch said.

“You are looking at the oldest man ever elected to the Australian Senate.”

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