For nearly two decades, Christian, who had cerebral palsy and eplisepsy,  was a familiar face working in Gundagai Shire Council’s offices and a vibrant part of the community.

“He didn’t let either of those things get in his way, he was very outgoing man,” his father Bob Gilholme said. 

“He loved his two brothers and their families.”

Tragedy struck six months ago, when Christian died suddenly after suffering a massive seizure. 

The abrupt passing devastated those who knew the 39-year-old.

But through the haze of grief, Mr Gilholme remembered a conversation he had with his son and wife Narelle three years ago about organ donation. 

“I must admit we weren’t actually thinking of Chris being the one doing the donating,” he said. 

“I guess you never really think about your offspring passing away before you … but we all agreed that it was a worthwhile thing to undertake.”

Being able to recall his son’s wishes, Mr Gilholme made arrangements to have his organs donated.

Christian has now helped seven people through donations of his heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and corneas. 

“It’s a comfort to us to know that his passing wasn’t in vain,” Mr Gilholme said. 

“It makes some sort of sense of Christian losing his life, to know that we were able to help someone.”

The message was driven home again two weeks ago when the Gilholmes received a letter from one of Christian’s organ recipients.

“They talked of having teenage sons and their ability to be involved in their teenage sons’ lives was severely limited by their illness,” Mr Gilholme said.

“Since that transplant, they have been able to get out and enjoy their sons’ sporting endeavors at weekends.”

The Gilholme family is sharing their story for Donate Life Week, a seven-day campaign to encourage people to discuss donation wishes. 

Those in favour of donating their organs are encouraged to make an official record on the Australian Organ Donor Register. 

“It is very much a personal choice,” Mr Gilholme said.

“But what we would encourage people to do is to consider the opportunity of making your organs available if something should happen to you or your loved ones.”

More information about Donate Life Week go to donatelife.gov.au.