A Dapto man killed abroad has given the ultimate gift to seven organ donor recipients.
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Gavin Roberts was involved in a head-on collision in Oxford, England, on June 11 while on his way to work.
His family rushed to his hospital bedside as he underwent emergency surgery to reduce swelling on his brain.
He had suffered a heart attack, a fractured vertebra and cracked ribs and was experiencing lung problems.
A crowdfunding campaign intended to cover the 28-year-old’s medical expenses and his return to Australia quickly gathered support.
But Mr Roberts succumbed to his injuries on June 15.
In the immediate wake of the tragedy, Mr Roberts’ family consented to donating his organs.
Older brother Brendan Tuck said the decision had given the family pride amid its grief.
“Nathan (Roberts) and I are feeling so proud of our youngest brother Gavin Roberts today, as he has donated his heart, lungs, kidneys, spleen, pancreas and liver to save seven other lives throughout England,” Mr Tuck wrote, in a post to social media.
“This is the Gavin that keeps on giving, from his death, he passes on the gift of life.
“Thank you my brother, may you continue to live on, not only in our hearts but within those who now carry your organs.”
Mr Tuck later confirmed all seven transplants had succeeded.
“Again Gavin has shown that he'll never let anyone down in a situation,” he said.
The family is awaiting the outcome of an autopsy – part of the police investigation into the crash – before making arrangements for Mr Roberts’ return to Australia.
They have paid tribute to Mr Roberts’ employer, British rail transport company Network Rail, for its support.
The company had opted to name a new train in Mr Roberts’ memory, Mr Tuck said.
“Network Rail are going to name their brand new HOOB (High Output Operating Base) train the "Gavin Roberts!’,” he said.
Mr Roberts graduated from the University of Wollongong in 2011 with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering.
The Gavin Roberts Medical Fund continues to attract support on gofundme.com