Be A Hero
Back in early 2018, one of my young saxophone students, Hoshi Naylor, tragically lost her life in a car accident on Leeds Ring Road.
Hoshi had a big personality, even back in 2013 when I first met her and her family: Raiden, Lloyd, and Emma. I can remember Hoshi's first saxophone lesson clearly. She was just able to get her fingers around the saxophone to start playing and, in classic beginner style, made a noise so loud that the house shook (much to Emma's dismay!).
Continuing her musical journey, Hoshi managed to achieve her Grade 1 on saxophone, which was the first milestone. Following this, we worked through some Grade 2 and Grade 3 repertoire, culminating in a merit for her Grade 3, which she attained with lots of hard work. Along the path to Grade 3, there was never a dull moment, especially with her obsession for playing "Fairytale" weeks before her exam, which acted as a suitable distraction from scales and aural exams.
Hoshi will always have a fond place in my memory as one of my first saxophone students after completing my studies. I'll always remember the entertainment she provided for both Emma and me during her lessons, as well as her love of being creative and the artwork she regularly gave me after lessons (see below).
Hoshi had a big personality, even back in 2013 when I first met her and her family: Raiden, Lloyd, and Emma. I can remember Hoshi's first saxophone lesson clearly. She was just able to get her fingers around the saxophone to start playing and, in classic beginner style, made a noise so loud that the house shook (much to Emma's dismay!).
Continuing her musical journey, Hoshi managed to achieve her Grade 1 on saxophone, which was the first milestone. Following this, we worked through some Grade 2 and Grade 3 repertoire, culminating in a merit for her Grade 3, which she attained with lots of hard work. Along the path to Grade 3, there was never a dull moment, especially with her obsession for playing "Fairytale" weeks before her exam, which acted as a suitable distraction from scales and aural exams.
Hoshi will always have a fond place in my memory as one of my first saxophone students after completing my studies. I'll always remember the entertainment she provided for both Emma and me during her lessons, as well as her love of being creative and the artwork she regularly gave me after lessons (see below).
Despite the shattering news received in January 2018, I felt so privileged to have known Hoshi and to have taught her, experiencing bits of her madness — I wouldn't change it!
After Hoshi's accident, the difficult decision to donate her organs was made, something Hoshi had wanted if the unfortunate situation ever arose. As a result of her bravery, she was able to help four other people in need of replacement organs. I feel duty-bound to share her story and to make people aware of the difference she has made. Below, I have copied some of Emma's quotes from another interview, which can be found here.
“Our advice to everyone is to have a talk with your family when your children are young, as having that difficult conversation while you have the chance can help to do a lot of good."
“Our daughter has potentially saved or improved four lives, but ultimately her actions affect hundreds – the families, friends, schools, and communities. When it comes to organ donation, there is a much bigger picture, which Hoshi helped us to see."
“We have always been proud of her, and now knowing that she has done this, she has left her legacy in medicine, which was what she would have wanted.”
I strongly encourage parents, as Emma says above, to talk to members of your family and friends about organ donation. In an unfortunate situation, you and others you know may be able to help transform lives in such a positive way. It helps produce rays of light in what would otherwise be a very dark time.
If you'd like to find out more about organ donation, please visit (http://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/beahero). You can also sign up to the donor register by calling 0300 123 23 23.
You can make a charitable donation to the "Be A Hero" campaign, which raises awareness of organ donation within Yorkshire, by visiting here.
Thank you for reading - Be A Hero.
After Hoshi's accident, the difficult decision to donate her organs was made, something Hoshi had wanted if the unfortunate situation ever arose. As a result of her bravery, she was able to help four other people in need of replacement organs. I feel duty-bound to share her story and to make people aware of the difference she has made. Below, I have copied some of Emma's quotes from another interview, which can be found here.
“Our advice to everyone is to have a talk with your family when your children are young, as having that difficult conversation while you have the chance can help to do a lot of good."
“Our daughter has potentially saved or improved four lives, but ultimately her actions affect hundreds – the families, friends, schools, and communities. When it comes to organ donation, there is a much bigger picture, which Hoshi helped us to see."
“We have always been proud of her, and now knowing that she has done this, she has left her legacy in medicine, which was what she would have wanted.”
I strongly encourage parents, as Emma says above, to talk to members of your family and friends about organ donation. In an unfortunate situation, you and others you know may be able to help transform lives in such a positive way. It helps produce rays of light in what would otherwise be a very dark time.
If you'd like to find out more about organ donation, please visit (http://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/beahero). You can also sign up to the donor register by calling 0300 123 23 23.
You can make a charitable donation to the "Be A Hero" campaign, which raises awareness of organ donation within Yorkshire, by visiting here.
Thank you for reading - Be A Hero.
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