Gift of Life pays tribute to Mr David Gough of Darby’s Falls, New South Wales, who died while riding his motor bike in Sydney on 3 May 2012.
David was the highly deserving winner of the inaugural Terry Connolly Award for Community Awareness Raising at the annual 2012 ACT Chief Minister’s Awards for organ and tissue donation awareness in February this year, organised by Gift of Life and involving Ms Katy Gallagher.
Gift of Life came to know David well through his tireless crusading efforts as a keen advocate of organ donation awareness by undertaking long distance motor bike rides around regional Australia, spreading the message widely to people both directly and through extensive media coverage.
In this way as well as through his gentle advocacy he inspired many Australians to make sure they discuss organ and tissue donation with their loved ones as well as signing onto the Australian Organ Donor Register.
David began his campaign following the death of his daughter Melody in December 2009 who became a multi-organ donor, saving the lives of three people through her generosity.
David’s wife Robyn provided a memorable and persuasive account of their reasons for supporting donation at the national launch of DonateLife Week 2011 at the Australian National Gallery in the presence of the Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO.
Gift of Life records its sincere thanks and appreciation to David for his major contribution to promoting organ and tissue donation awareness. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife Robyn and son Tim at this very sad time
Chief Minister Katy Gallagher with David Gough and David O'Leary