Very few cricketers have touched our hearts in the way that David Hookes has. In death, as in life, he continues to bat for all of us by inspiring more Australians to become organ donors.

David was passionate about organ donation. It was something we had discussed as a family and he made his views clear: if he died he wanted to donate his organs if at all possible. When the worst happened in January 2004 and David was declared brain dead in hospital, that knowledge made it easier for our family to agree for him to become a donor. We were comforted by the fact that we wouldn’t let him down.

When the news got out, the story under the headline "Champion's Gift of Life" went around the world. The reaction was overwhelming. In the weeks after his death, three times as many people as the weekly average put their names on the Organ Donor Register. It was inspirational. How proud we were.

Out of that came the David Hookes Foundation. It was established to inspire more Australians to register as organ donors and to encourage them to discuss their important decision with family and friends, just as David did. The end of this world for one need not be the end of the world for others.

You can register to become a donor through this website.

Thank you.



Robyn Hookes

Mr Kerry Packer and Mrs Robyn Hookes at the David Hookes Foundation launch 22 February, 2004 at St Vincents Hospital, Sydney.

“David Hookes was a great sportsman but in years to come he’ll be remembered for the generosity he showed in death. Transplants are a gift you receive once in a lifetime, if you’re lucky”

Mr. Kerry Packer, AC
Founding Governor
The David Hookes Foundation.
January 2004

The Foundation's aims are:
• To increase the number of organ and tissue donors
• To increase the public awareness of the need for organ and tissue donors
• To educate families to support the decision of their loved one to donate organs and tissue

Contact The David Hookes Foundation:
+61 (0) 427 466 537
rh@davidhookesfoundation.com

PO Box 3019
South Yarra
VIC 3141
Australia

The David Hookes Foundation is not a fund-raising body.

Organ and tissue donation is the most generous donation you’ll ever make and it won’t cost you a cent. When David Hookes died in January 2004 his generosity in death saved the lives of up to ten people.

Almost every adult Australian supports organ donation in principle. The nation is a world leader in successful organ transplants. In 2010, 309 organ donors gave 931 Australians a new chance of life, the highest annual rate in Australia’s recorded history.

But demand for transplant organs and tissues is growing and around 1700 people are waiting at any one time for a life-saving or life-improving transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save the lives of up to ten people and significantly improve the lives of dozens more.

The Australian Organ Donor Register is the official national register for organ and tissue donation. It keeps a record of whether a person wishes to be a donor and of the organs and tissues they agree to donate.

Authorised medical personnel can access the register 24 hours a day from anywhere in Australia. This means that when someone dies in a situation where donation might be possible, medical personnel can immediately know whether the deceased person wished to be a donor.

If you are on the register, your family will be asked to give their consent. If you are not registered, your family will still be asked to give consent. That is why it is important that your family knows your wishes. Talk to them about it.

Here are some of the misconceptions about
organ and tissue donation

I'm already registered. I don't need to do anything more
That's a good start, but you also need to discuss your decision with your family and friends. Even if you are on the Australian Organ Donor Register (or, in some states, you have ticked the box on your driver's licence), donation won't proceed without your family's consent. If your family know your wishes to be an organ donor, they are more likely to give consent. It's also important for you to know your family's wishes.


It's assumed I'm an organ donor unless I opt out
Not true. Australia operates on the ‘opt in' system where you choose whether to be a donor or not. If you have opted out by stating ‘no' on the Australian Organ Donor Register, donation will not proceed. If you have signed ‘yes' on the Register, or not registered at all, your family will still need to give consent.


My family can overrule my decision to be a donor
True. The family is always consulted about organ and tissue donation - if the family does not give consent, donation will not happen. Families rarely overrule a person's wishes if they know what they are. If you wish to be an organ donor, sign ‘yes' on the Australian Organ Donor Register and discuss your decision with your family. It is more likely your family will respect your wishes if they know your decision.


Organ donation is against my religion
Most religions support organ and tissue donation as generous acts that benefit people. This includes Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism. If you are not sure whether your religion is supportive, speak to your religious adviser.


I'm too young or too old to donate
You're never too young to be a donor. Anyone can be a donor - young and old. If you are under 16 years you can't register to be a donor, but you can discuss your wishes with your parents.


I'm too unhealthy to be a donor
You can still be a donor even if you drink or smoke, are overweight or have a chronic condition. There's every chance that some of your organs and tissues will be suitable for donation. Only some medical conditions may prevent you from being a donor, such as transmissible diseases like HIV.


I lived in the UK during 'mad cow disease' so I can not be a donor
You may still be able to donate your organs and some tissues.


Doctors won't work as hard to save my life if they know I'm a donor
Not so. Medical staff do everything possible to save lives. Their first duty is to you and saving your life. Organ and tissue donation will only be considered after all efforts fail and you have been legally declared dead. Usually, the Australian Organ Donor Register is only checked after you have died.


How do they know I am really dead?
Your organs will not be removed until two senior doctors have separately tested that you are brain dead. The clinical tests for brain death establish there is no brain function and no blood flow to the brain. At this point, there is no possibility your brain will ever function again.


My family will be too traumatised
Because your death is likely to have been sudden, your family will be in shock. It will be difficult for them to make decisions. However, research shows families that make the decision to donate are very glad they did, most saying the person who died would have been happy to have saved other people's lives. It will be easier for your family to make the decision if they know how you feel about it. Your family will be supported by trained DonateLife™ donor coordinators and counsellors during and after the donation.


I won’t be able to have an open casket funeral
Yes you will. Your body will be treated with respect and dignity at all times and your family will be able to view your body and have an open casket if they wish. No one will be able to tell that you have donated your organs and tissues.


People only need organs because of bad lifestyle choices
Many people have an inherited genetic condition, a severe illness or disease that will kill them, often at a young age. Common genetic or congenital conditions are cardiomyopathy (which affects the heart), cystic fibrosis (the lungs) and biliary atresia (the liver). Corneal transplants restore sight to people following a disease or damage to their eyes. Heart valves are used to repair congenital defects in young children and replace defective valves due to disease such as rheumatic fever, degeneration and infection.


I don’t need to donate because thousands of others do
Few people die in such a way that donation is possible. Organ donors need to die in hospital where their body can be kept on a ventilator until the organs can be donated. In 2009, there were only 247 deceased organ donors last year, meeting less than half of the overall need for transplants. In some cases, families do not give consent for donation to take place because they did not know the wishes of their deceased family member.


My family will have to pay if I donate my organs
Not true. There is never any charge for donating organs and tissues. Depending on the hospital, your family might be charged for the cost of all final efforts to save your life and those costs are sometimes misinterpreted as costs related to organ donation. Your family will be responsible for your funeral expenses.


My family won’t know if I saved the lives of others
Not true. If your family wishes it, the DonateLife donor coordinator who assists your family will stay in contact. They can provide information about which organs and tissues were transplanted, how the recipients are faring and limited information about the recipients. Donor families and recipients can write to each other anonymously through the donor coordinator, but the law says the identity of donors and recipients cannot be shared.


My organs and tissue will be used for research
Organ donation is about helping save or improve other people's lives. Donated tissues and organs will never be used for medical research unless explicit written permission is given by your family. If any organ or tissue that has been donated is unable to be transplanted and your family are not comfortable donating to a research program, they can choose to have the organ or tissue returned to their loved one's body or respectfully disposed.


The rich and famous get priority
Not true. All donations and transplants are performed by specialised teams of clinicians in the Australian public health system. Everyone is assessed in the same way. Celebrities receive media attention when they receive a transplant, but they are treated no differently from anyone else.

Australia has strict ethical guidelines about allocation of organs. Allocation is based on several factors, including urgency, the organ match and how much the recipient will benefit. Other considerations include the length of time on the official waiting list, and access to the relevant hospital. A person's identity or social status is not taken into consideration.

Discover the facts about organ and tissue donation to help you make an informed decision about becoming an organ and tissue donor.

You can find out more through www.donatelife.gov.au or register your decision directly through Medicare on the Australian Donor Register.

Or you can call 1800 777 203 or complete a form at any Medicare branch.

Aust. Transplant Cricket Club

Vs Indian Community XI

A new initiative, instigated by the NSW Indian Welfare Association was held on a beautiful sunny day on Sunday 11 March,  2012 in Sydney to raise awareness about donation to a key section of multi-cultural Australia - those Australians with a family heritage from India.

An Indian community XI and the Australian Transplant Cricket Club (ATCC) made up of transplant recipients, played at Sydney University's No. 1 Oval  for the "Hookes Family Jevaan Dhan" trophy.

The Hon. Jillian Skinner MP tossed the coin with the ATCC  team winning the toss and electing to bowl  A great day of cricket was played and Australian cricketing legends Michael Bevan and Stuart Clark also attended to help promote the cause.

The Indian Community XI won the match. Well done.  It is hoped it will become an annual event.

Three other matches will be held in the series and all Transplant Australia members are encouraged to support this inspiring team.

THE David Hookes Tribute Series kicked off with match against First Bloke's XI

On Sunday November 6 2011, Mr.Tim Mathieson, partner of the Prime Minister, led the First Bloke’s XI against the Australian Transplant Cricket Club at Phillip Oval, Woden for the DonateLife Cup.  This was the opening match of the 2011 David Hookes Tribute Series.

“It was a great family day  and a chance to enjoy a good game of cricket for a very important cause – saving lives through organ and tissue donation”, said Jason Bates, Australian Transplant Cricket Club. 

Former Australian cricketer David Hookes was always passionate about organ and tissue donation. In January 2004 David Hookes became an organ donor after a tragic incident resulting in David being declared brain dead.

The Australian Transplant Cricket Club continues David Hookes’ legacy by promoting organ and tissue donation. All players are organ and tissue transplant recipients who have been given a “second innings of life” and acknowledge the donors and their families who have made this possible.

The ATCC had a splendid innings and were all out for 129.  The star of the side was Steve Arthy who produced a sterling effort, nearly scoring a half century. However, the First Bloke's XI made a very respectable 110 for the day. The bowling star of the ATCC was John Wulff who produced 3/20.  Bowling for The First Bloke's XI, Charlotte Annaveld produced a stellar 3/15. In what turned out to be a very closely run contest, the ATCC won by 19 runs. More importantly a most enjoyable day was had by all and our very sincere thanks to everyone who participated.

Here's to the rematch!

The David Hookes Memorial Shield 2011

Australia’s continually improving rate of organ and tissue donation was celebrated on the world stage when the most inspirational cricket team, The Australian Transplant Cricket Club (ATCC) took on their English rivals, the Great Britain Transplant Cricket Club.

Robyn Hookes with the Team at Hambledon, UK

On Thursday June 9, 2011 the Prime Minister’s partner, Mr. Tim Mathieson, presented Australia’s unique cricket team with their Baggy Greens, at the Lodge.

Every member of the Australian Transplant Cricket Club is a transplant recipient, celebrating their second chance at life. Each time the team of 11 players take the field, 22 lives are represented.

In June and July of last year, the team toured England and challenged the Great Britain Transplant Cricket Club for the David Hookes Memorial Shield. The Shield was presented by team patron, Robyn Hookes, who travelled with the team on tour. During the visit they also undertook a number of matches against able-bodied sides and attended receptions at Australia House and Lords.  

It was a successful mission for the Australians, regaining the David Hookes Memorial Shield from the Great Britain Transplant Cricket Club and on their program of goodwill matches during June and July.

July 2011

Australian Transplant Cricket Club regains the David Hookes Memorial Shield

A green top wicket and overcast skies greeted both teams on Day 1 in Newcastle-on-Tyne for the Test match between the Australian Transplant CC and the Great Britain Transplant CC.

The toss was won by the English and they sent us in to bat. A very solid start at the top of the order with Nolan and Hollingsworth (the new Hayden / Langer) putting on 50 in better than even time. After Hollingsworth chopped onto his stumps, Nolan and MacCuspie comfortably took the score to 138 before Nolan was dismissed for 65. The English then went on to take a further 4 wickets in short time including MacCuspie for 34 just before lunch. The match was evenly poised at lunch at 6/183 with Green and Wulff at the wicket. Kevin Green then went on a batting extravaganza hitting the English to all points if the ground. He hit balls over the sitescreen, into the back of the rugby stand and through the window of the pavilion. Ably supported by Wulff, this partnership changed the game. A record partnership of 242, that was added at 7 runs an over, led to a total of 408 for 7 when Wulff was caught for 68 with an hour's play to go. The ATCC immediately declared seeking early wickets.

The English batted well but we still managed to eke out 2 wickets for 83 by the close of play. One day to go, 18 wickets to claim. The following morning dawned fine with little worry of the potential rain that had threatened the first day. The English batted doggedly with good contributions from their top five. Williams was introduced to the attack with great effect leading to the stumping of the England captain by Rose. Then 4 more wickets quickly fell to Williams who finished with 5/27. Steve Athey took two wickets in his first test. A score of 209 was not enough to save the follow on which was enforced. The young 17 year old English opener Adam Phillips then settled in to play a blinder of an innings for England. He single handedly held their innings together with 138 and was the last dismissed. Not bad for a Dialysis patient! Meanwhile wickets were consistently falling at the other end with Athey taking four backing up from the first innings.

Magnificent fielding and catching by the Aussies in this innings which was highlighted by a fantastic slips catch to Williams. Harvey also excelled and fine out fielding by Piras and Hollingsworth kept the score down. One wicket to Williams, two to MacCuspie in one over and wickets to Campbell Jones, Nolan and Wulff got the English all out with only 42 to get in the final 13 overs. Hollingsworth and Nolan mowed down the runs needed with 4 overs to spare. Nolan, despite a nasty leg injury sustained fielding at short cover, despatched the winning runs with a clean six over square leg. A fantastic team result - well deserved after great batting and a team effort to get 18 wickets in a day.

Most importantly, the "David Hookes Memorial Shield" is back in Australian hands.

HRH Queen Elizabeth II sent her best wishes to the Chairman and Treasurer of the Australian Transplant Cricket Club before the 2011 tour of the United Kingdom.

The David Hookes Foundation gratefully acknowledges the contribution of Transplant Australia who have provided wonderful support to our Foundation in recent years. We wish to place on record our profound gratitude for their ongoing support and assistance.