Family speak out for first time as British teen dies in Vietnam holiday hotspot
The parents of a British teenager who died in a motorcycle accident in Vietnam have donated her organs to 'give others a chance at life'.
Orla Wates, 19, tragically died from her injuries following a bike crash on a popular route in north Vietnam on 2 April.
Viet Nam News reports that the incident took place on the Ha Giang Loop in Ha Noi where she was transported to the Viet Duc Friendship Hospital.
Parents Andy and Henrietta Wates revealed that their 'beautiful' daughter was about to start a degree course at Durham University.
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“Orla was beautiful, independent and very funny, with a sharp wit,” they told the outlet.
“She loved to look good and lived life to the full.”
Henrietta thanked the ICU team for caring for Orla after her liver, two kidneys and two corneas were transplanted to patients at the hospital.
“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,” she said.
“Knowing that she is living on through them brings us great comfort.”
Her father, who is the director of £2.4billion building firm Wates, spoke in an emotional interview shared by the hospital’s social media page.
“Vietnam was a country she loved and so to give back to Vietnam as well I think is very important for us,” Andy, from Surrey, said.
Henrietta added: “She had the best time here, she had the best time here, she was loving every minute of it. So it is our way of thanking you.”
A representative for the hospital told the Daily Mail that 'her family made a deeply compassionate decision that transcended nationality and race'.
"To donate her organs, giving others a chance at life," they said.
"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."
An FCDO spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Orla Wates, following her tragic death in Vietnam.
“We are in touch with the local authorities, and our consular staff are doing all they can to support Orla’s family at this hugely difficult time.”
Anish Vij