Nafe still making a difference - two years after fatal crash

Nathan Clarke, 27, known fondly as Nafe, of Chester Road, Winsford, saved the lives of two young men through organ donation.

One of the recipients has written to thank his mum Leslie for the gift of life.

"Nafe really does live on, " said Leslie. "I knew he wanted to be a donor because he signed the register when he was only eight.

"Both his kidneys were donated to young men in their 30s. One was waiting a month and the other for two and half years.

"We are so proud that from this heartbreaking tragedy some good has come out of it.

"Nafe was selfless in life and also in death."

Nafe was selfless in life and also in death

Nafe was selfless in life and also in death

Today, the second anniversary of his fatal crash, is a bitter sweet day for his mum Leslie as it is her 62nd birthday.

"When I opened the bedroom curtains I saw an absolutely gorgeous sunrise, the sky all different colours. It was a beautiful sunny day as it was two years ago. I wish it hadn't been. If it had been a horrible, wet soggy day he wouldn't have gone out on his bike."

Nathan was thrown off his bike in a collision with a car on the A54 Chester Lane and suffered catastrophic brain injuries when he hit a wooden gate at 11am on Saturday, February 23.

Nathan was taken to the Royal Stoke Hospital where he lost his fight for life the following day.

A warehouse manager at Johnsons Removals, Nathan was also a qualified doorman, working at venues across Cheshire including Madison's in Northwich. Earlier, he worked as a bar man at De Bees in Winsford.

A gifted musician, he played the guitar and drums.

Gifted musician Nathan played the guitar and drums

Gifted musician Nathan played the guitar and drums

"Everyone knew Nafe and everyone loved him," said Lesley. "He would do anything for anybody, he was that kind of person."

Leslie is urging everyone to have a conversation with their loved ones about their final wishes.

"Nobody ever talks about the end of life but one thing we know for certain is that we will die," she said. "Speak to your loved ones and friends and tell them what you want. I had that conversation with Nafe."

After lockdown, Lesley hopes to organise charity events for North West Air Ambulance and the Donor Family Network, which raises awareness and supports families who give and receive organs.

'Nathan would do anything for anybody'

'Nathan would do anything for anybody'

"I spoke to a lady last week whose 11-year-old son received a kidney in 1987," said Lesley. "Physically, he is absolutely fantastic but he never came to terms with it mentally, he struggled with the emotional side of it.

"I was able to let him know that the family of people who donate organs are proud to be able to do that. It is done with love. It was very therapeutic for both of us."

Lesley is confident Nathan's legacy will live on as more families discuss organ donation.

"We know he made a difference to people's lives when he was here and two people's lives after he'd gone," she said. "I hope he will continue to make a difference."