A YOUNG man whose life was cut short during a night out in Rhyl was remembered by friends and family.
Eight years after Lee Jones died aged 22, after being punched, an annual gathering was held in The Crown Bard pub to commemorate the life of the “caring, generous family man”.
As well as his memory living on through his family and friends six people from across the UK have been given a new lease of life after receiving his organs.
Father-of-two, Alan Schofield, said he was facing death before being given Lee’s heart.
“I don’t think I would have lived without the transplant,” said Mr Schofield, 52, from Burnley.
“I can’t thank Lee and the family enough.”
Lee has also changed the lives of a little girl from Sunderland and a man in his 30s from Bangor.
His family has also been notified by the Organ Transplant Coordinator that a further three people have received his organs.
His mother Jackie, aged 52, who was unaware he had carried a donor card since he was 16, said: “Lee was a very caring, generous, family oriented person.
“He was one of the kindest people you would ever meet.
“I am very proud of him.”
On February 17, Lee would have been celebrating turning 31 with his twin brother Dean.
“Birthdays and anniversaries are hard,” said Jackie, from Rhyl.
“Last year we had a party to celebrate Dean’s 30th birthday but it was tinged with sadness.
“Dean has had a little boy, Sebastian, who has brought some happiness back to our lives.”
Jackie said she still has nightmares about switching off Lee’s life support machine three days after he was admitted to to hospital.
“His friends still come round to our house, and every year on his anniversary we go out to remember him,” added Jackie.