Hit-and-run teen's organs donated

The accident happened on the Madam's Bank Road

The parents of a teenager killed in an alleged hit-and-run incident in Londonderry have donated his organs for transplant.

Leo Brennan, 19, who was known to his family and friends as David, died after being struck by a car on Madam's Bank road on Friday.

Five operations using the organs have already taken place across the UK.

His mother Denise Brennan said she spoke to her son about the decision, even though he could not hear her.

"He was lying in intensive care on his forehead and I whispered in his ear."

"I said 'son if you think I am doing the right thing would you come to me or your daddy in a wee dream' we just want to know it's the right thing."

I just felt numb - I wanted someone to wake me up and say it was a nightmare. Denise Brennan, David's mother

A member of the family rang David's brother and his father Dermott Brennan at about 0315 BST on Friday to tell them about the accident.

David's mother Denise and brother Dermott arrived as he was receiving treatment from paramedics at the roadside.

"All he had on was his t-shirt and his boxers, there was blood everywhere," his mother said.

"As soon as I saw him I knew he was already gone."

"He just gasped and that was it, he was brain dead, his eyes were open but they never moved, I just knew that was it," she added.

"I just felt numb - I wanted someone to wake me up and say it was a nightmare."

David was taken to Altnagelvin hospital where he received further treatment but he later died.

His parents Denise and Dermott said they took the difficult decision to donate his organs so he could help someone else.

"David had a heart of gold, he was no angel but he would do anything for anyone," his father Dermott said.

"He was always helping people out so we hope it's what he would've wanted."

Andrew McGinchey, 20, from Cornshell Fields, has been charged with the death by dangerous driving of Leo David Brennan.

Other charges Mr McGlinchey faces include failing to stop and driving with excess alcohol in his system.

He is also accused of failing to report the accident and driving without insurance and a licence.

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