A WOMAN from West Devon who died from a rare neurological illness made the brave decision to donate her brain for scientific research in the hope of saving many more lives in the future.

Linda Chilvers died on February 11 this year, aged 67, from Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) which is effectively an extension of Parkinson’s Disease. It is a degenerative neurological illness that affects less than five people per 100,000.

One of her wishes was that her brain would be donated for research into the illness after she died — and her family supported her every step of the way.

Linda contributed significantly to the Yelverton community and had lived there with her husband Tony, who she had been married to for 39 years, and their two children Sarah and Tim.

Linda was initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2013 but it was the speed of her deterioration that was a major concern. Parkinson’s sufferers normally deteriorate slowly due to muscle loss and can survive up to 20 years after diagnosis but sadly the rate of deterioration for Linda was far quicker.

This led her to be diagnosed with the very rare disease MSA, which gave her a much shorter life expectancy of five years from the initial diagnosis of Parkinson’s.

Linda carried on as best as her body would allow, with her family’s and carers’ help but it was towards the end of 2017 that she decided on this selfless donation for research into the illness in order to help other people with a similar diagnosis in the future.

‘That was Mum, always trying to solve a problem and always wanting to look after other people,’ said Sarah.

There are several places in the UK that conduct scientific research into MSA and the nearest is the Oxford Brain Bank based at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

The quite simple donor paperwork was completed and Linda’s wish was accepted.

Linda died very peacefully at home on a Sunday morning with her husband by her side.

As well as being a heart-wrenching time for the family, the next 24 hours were also nerve-wracking as they needed to make sure the tight time frame of brain donation was adhered to in order to fulfil Linda’s wish. Difficulties arose as it was a Sunday but, with dogged perseverance and many telephone calls, all the hurdles were overcome and Linda was taken to Derriford in readiness for the donation to take place the next day.

Husband Tony said he was so proud of Linda and her brave decision: ‘It’s such a rare illness that donating her brain was a way of saying “Let’s help to overcome it — let’s see what use can be made of it”. She felt that if it could be used to improve the situation for the future, then let’s do it!

‘When she told us of her plans, “yes” was the answer, Linda wanted to help for the future and we fully supported her as a family. With everything that Linda went through this helped her to cope and is incredible. We wanted to try and make something good come out of this illness — that’s the message.’

Linda, who was born in Hampstead, moved to the area in 1980 with Tony.

As well as working as a PA to a senior executive at the Holiday Inn, and later as an administrator for Tavistock’s Molly Owen Centre, she was secretary for YelverCare from its outset and was also responsible for setting up the group’s luncheon club.

For her services to YelverCare she was one of a group chosen to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2012 following the bestowal of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Linda had more than ten years of illness, which started in 2007 with a diagnosis of cervical cancer. Linda fought that bravely and was given the all clear in 2012 — but it was just a few months afterwards that she was initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s and she also suffered the effects of osteoporosis.

Her family said they were so immensely proud of Linda for her bravery, dignity and determination to stay positive throughout her debilitating illness.

They are encouraging others to think about any type of organ donation, whether that is to immediately help save a life, or to donate for scientific purposes to help future lives.

Tony said: ‘To make these specific organ donations costs nothing (all costs associated with the donation are picked up by the research centre) and you help other people.

‘All our family have had a good feeling from this happening.’

l For more information on MSA or to donate for research visit www.msatrust.org.uk and for brain/organ donation see www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-public/brain-donation