A WOMAN who was given hours to live has publicly thanked the mother of a 13-year-old boy who saved her life.

Lily Turley's son Daryl died when he was hit by a motorbike in 2009 and the family bravely gave permission for his organs to be donated.

Cara Hearst, then 17, was battling acute live failure and her life was saved.

Although many organ donors remain anonymous, Lily wanted to meet Cara, and the two forged a close friendship.

Lily and Cara were among the speakers last night at an event in Glasgow to highlight the contribution of organ donors and their families in Scotland.

Cara, now 26, said: "I will be forever grateful for what the Turley family has done for me.

"Because of the decision they made in their darkest hour, I now have a future."

More than 250 people including donor families, transplant recipients and Minister for Public Health, Aileen Campbell, gathered at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home of the Loveseat which provides a permanent place of tribute for Scotland’s organ donors.

Daryl Turley, from Whitehill in Hamilton, was killed when a motorbike hit him as he crossed the road near his home.

Lily, who lives in Hamilton, Lanarkshire said: “When we heard there was nothing that could be done to save our boy, within minutes we decided as a family to let organ donation go ahead.

"Daryl’s heart, his kidneys, his liver and his lower bowel were able to be donated to those in need. For me knowing Daryl’s death wasn’t in vain has helped us deal with the pain of losing him.

“I’ve never ever had second thoughts or regretted our decision, and I think of Cara as our hero.

"She has her whole life ahead of her and that shows the power of organ donation. I feel immensely proud of Daryl, a feeling I’m sure many other donor families at the event will share.”

Cara, who is from Belfast, made a complete recovery from Wilson's Disease, a rare genetic condition, and has since trained as a nurse.

Cara said: “ I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to recognise each and every donor that has changed the lives of so many as part of this event.

"It’s an honour to stand with Lily, and mark their incredible contribution.”

Recent figures show that a record 348 Scots received a life-changing organ transplant in the last year – a year which also saw the highest ever number of cases where people’s organs were donated after their death.

Figures from NHS Blood and Transplant show 133 people who died in Scottish hospitals became organ donors in 2016-17, up 99 from the previous year.

However, with less than half of the Scottish public on the organ donor register, Minister for Public Health and Sport, Aileen Campbell has said that "more needs to be done."

The government is considering the responses to a consultation on a possible shift to an opt-out transplant system. It means that individuals are assumed to be donors unless they have registered an objection.

The Evening Times has led a five-year campaign calling for the change.

Lesley Logan, regional manager for Scotland, NHS Blood and Transplant said:

“This event is about recognising those who have helped save more lives in Scotland through organ donation and transplantation, and thank them for all they have done.

“Organ donation touches lives in many ways. By looking at it from the perspective of donor families, transplant recipients and those whose job it is to ensure as many people benefit from transplant surgery, its humbling to see the generosity, gratitude and dedication that exists in Scotland.”