Mum meets girl saved by daughter’s liver
Mum Lindsey Adderson lost her daughter, Jessica Iddon, 17, after she was involved in a fatal two-car smash in 2008.
Following the tragedy, organs belonging to Jessica, of Matlock, were donated.
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Hide AdLast week Lindsey met nine-year-old Ella Noon for the first time – whose life was saved after she received Jessica’s liver.
Lindsey, 47, said: “Ella is an incredible little girl, and I am proud beyond words that my daughter has helped her.
“Jessica was such an amazing person and this is exactly what she would have wanted. If she could see Ella now, she would be smiling down.”
She added: “I’ve now got the chance to see Ella grow up into a wonderful young woman. It feels incredible to know a little piece of Jessica is still here.”
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Hide AdJessica died in a crash at Stone Edge, near the Red Lion pub, while a passenger in her boyfriend’s car.
Ella – who had a life-threatening, but unknown, liver condition – was one of five people who were saved by Jessica’s donation.
Ella’s mother, Andrea, 40, sent a letter to Lindsey at the time thanking her daughter and asking if she would like to meet Ella.
Lindsey said: “I kept that letter in my handbag for seven years, but just couldn’t bring myself to respond to it because of all the grief I was going through.”
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Hide AdBut when Ella decided to send a card herself earlier this year, Lindsey could not resist the opportunity to finally meet.
And following some communication, last Tuesday, Ella and Andrea made the journey from Llandudno Junction, in north Wales, to Lindsey’s Matlock home and visited Alton Towers.
Lindsey said: “It felt absolutely amazing to meet them, I just couldn’t wait to give Ella a cuddle. It was nerve-racking beforehand, but we’ve all had a brilliant time together.”
Andrea added: “We all get on so well. It is an unusual way to start a relationship, but we all feel very close already. It’s brilliant.”
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Hide AdThe pair both commented on the resemblance between Jessica and Ella – who both have striking red hair and pretty features.
Lindsey said: “Jessica was the most inspirational young woman and would have made this world a better place.
“Through Ella, and through everyone’s memories of Jessica, and the great things she did, I suppose she did manage to make the world a better place.”