Doner heartA bride who lost her son was able to include him in her wedding in a signficant way after her husband arranged for the recipient of his donated heart to attend the ceremony.
Becky Turney, from Alaska, was marrying her sweetheart Kelly when he surprised her with a visit from Jacob Kilbey, who stood in as a groomsman. Becky and Jacob hadn’t met before – but the stunning moment when she was introduced to him as the man who was granted life thanks to her son Triston’s heart was captured on camera by wedding photographer Love Adventured – and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Writing on their Facebook page, the photo company explained that after he died, Triston’s organs were donated to those in need.
"I knew about this surprise but nothing prepares you for the beauty of this moment. I met a man named Jacob Kilby…
Posted by Love What Matters on Sonntag, 9. Juli 2017
‘I knew about this surprise but nothing prepares you for the beauty of this moment,’ wrote the photographer. ‘I met a man named Jacob Kilby yesterday who is alive because of a heart transplant received from this brides son, Triston.’
‘Her son couldn’t be here for the wedding day but Becky’s groom Kelly Turney, surprised her by flying Jacob up to Alaska to stand in as a groomsmen, carrying Triston’s heart.’
Jacob even brought along a stethoscope, so that Becky could listen to her son’s heart beating in its new chest.
‘Kelly stopped the ceremony to introduce Jacob to Becky for the first time,’ she explained. ‘Everyone was so moved by this and I had to share this amazing story. I had the pleasure of hearing Jacob share his gratitude and plans for a heart healthy life to Triston’s sister before the ceremony.’
The sweet story has made a huge impact on Facebook, where it’s been shared nearly 100,000 times and received well over 10,000 comments.
‘Omg… what a story,’ said one commenter. ‘Sad but good. My son is only 11 and he as decided last month to be a donor. Glad you sons heart is still beating!’
Another said: ‘This story is breathtaking! I’m so happy for her and the life that was saved. Congratulations To Everyone.’
