Paul Harry Miles

'The Gentle Giant'

The Gentle Paul Harry Miles' life machine was switched off six days after a car accident which saw his fellow passenger lose his legs. Paul's parents agreed that his vital organs, including his heart, liver and lungs, should be donated for transplant.

Paul, who would have celebrated his 21st birthday in May, was driving his silver BMW along Bury New Road in Whitefield on Friday, March 2, when it veered out of control and smashed into a tree, splitting the car into three parts.

His front seat passenger, 18-year-old Martin Edwards, lost both legs in the smash.

Martin, a talented footballer from Whitefield was dating Paul's younger sister, Katie, who has been left devastated by the tragedy.

Both were taken to Fairfield General Hospital and Paul was later transferred to Hope Hospital's intensive care unit where he remained in a coma until the following Wednesday when he died.

As they struggle to come to terms with the tragedy, parents Paul and Stephanie, who have both married again, spoke of their decision to allow their son's organs to help others.

Mr Miles, said: "It has given us some comfort knowing that Paul's gentle heart has not stopped beating, that it will help someone who needs a transplant the chance to live a full and happy life."

Stephanie added: "Paul's aunt Sharon had a bad heart and when she was young, aged about five, she had to have a heart valve transplant. She is now aged 37, has children and lives a full life.

"I have always told my kids that when I die the surgeons can have this and that. Paul had expressed his wish to do the same. If five or six people now have the chance to keep their children or partners alive, we know that Paul's death will not have been in vain."

Paul, who was 6ft 4 tall, was described as a gentle giant by his parents.

The IT consultant never drank alcohol or smoked cigarettes and spent most of his free time lovingly tending to his car. He would spend hours polishing it.

"It's ironic," said his dad. "Paul lived for his car and he died by it. We just can't believe he has gone. It is surreal."

Paul, who was a keen fisherman, leaves four sisters, Katie, Karine, Magali and Amy, and two brothers, Steven and Christopher. He was a former pupil of Ribble Drive County Primary and Philips High schools. He graduated from Bury College with a Higher National Diploma in Information Technology.

Mr Miles said: "He always excelled in everything he did. He had drive and ambition. He was intelligent, imaginative and creative. He loved his family and always found time to visit relatives. On one occasion he had three Christmas dinners at different family homes so as not to upset anyone. Paul also had a great sense of humour and would make everyone laugh with his jokes and pranks. We always said he had missed his way and should have been a stand-up comic. He made us very proud."

Paul's parents are now keen to encourage more people to sign up to the donor scheme to help save lives. His mum said: "By donating Paul's organs for transplant, something good has come from something so tragic. I am sure that Paul will be very proud that he has helped give someone a new chance of life."

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact traffic police on 0161 856 3572.

Page created by a friend of Paul's younger sister Katie xx

You touched our hearts immensely,
You lit our soul up bright,
But then God called back his angel,
He wanted another star at night.

He called your name so silently,
So only you could hear,
He put his arms around you,
And whispered in your ear.

'Paul I am holding you,
With me you will come home,
Don't fear for those you leave behind,
They'll never be alone'

And so everyday you visit,
You spread your peace and love,
To all those here who loved you,
Where for them you wait above.

RIP Paul xXx