The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but it is understood Orla was riding pillion on the back of a motorcycle when the driver lost control.
HÀ NỘI — The parents of a UK teenager killed in a motorbike accident while travelling on the famous Hà Giang Loop in northern Việt Nam have donated her organs for transplants, saving the lives of three critically ill Vietnamese patients.
Orla Wates, 19, from London, was exploring South East Asia before starting a degree at Durham University in the UK.
But last week, her life was tragically cut short after a fall from a motorbike in northern Việt Nam.
She was rushed to Hà Nội’s Việt Đức University Hospital but succumbed to her injuries on April 2.
Her parents, Andy and Mic Mac Wates, decided to allow her organs to be used to help other patients at the hospital.
“Orla was beautiful, independent and very funny, with a sharp wit,” her mother told Việt Nam News.
“She loved to look good and lived life to the full.”
A representative from Việt Đức University Hospital added: “In the face of profound grief, her family made a deeply compassionate decision that transcended nationality and race—to donate her organs, giving others a chance at life.
“The act has moved many, as her gift now offers hope to patients suffering from organ failure in Việt Nam.
“One journey has come to an end, but her life continues quietly and resiliently in others who have been given a second chance.”
Orla’s liver and two kidneys were transplanted to patients at the hospital.
In recognition of her parents’ brave act, the Minister of Health sent a letter expressing heartfelt condolences and sincere gratitude for their remarkable humanitarian gesture.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but it is understood that Orla was riding pillion on the back of a motorcycle when the driver lost control.
Orla was thrown to the ground and then run over by an oncoming truck, causing severe injuries.
Despite the ICU doctors’ best efforts, the teenager passed away with her parents at her bedside.
Orla’s mother said the family finds comfort knowing their daughter is ‘living on’ through her organ donations.
She added: “We would like to thank Dr Trịnh Văn Đồng and the ICU team at the hospital who cared for Orla.
“At this extremely difficult time for our family, we chose to donate Orla’s organs, as we believe that if there were a way to give opportunity to others, this is what Orla would have wanted.
“Knowing that she is living on through them brings us great comfort.”
After her death, her father Andy wrote on Việt Đức University Hospital’s Facebook page: “Việt Nam was a country she loved, so to give back to Việt Nam is very important to us.”
Her mother added: “She had the best time here and she was loving every minute of it. So it is our way of thanking you.”
Although organ transplants are less common in Việt Nam than in some Western countries, significant progress has been made.
Since the first transplant in Việt Nam, thousands of patients suffering from serious heart, lung, liver, kidney, and pancreas diseases have recovered thanks to organ transplantation.
The Hà Giang Loop is a 350–400 km motorbike adventure popular among young travellers visiting the country.
Tours usually take three to four days, passing through the Đồng Văn Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark.
It features steep mountains, deep valleys, rice terraces, and dramatic passes like Mã Pì Lèng.
Source: VietNamNews
