The parents of an 18-year-old girl whose organs have been donated to improve the lives of five people have spoken of her bravery.

Vicki Williams was a clever, artistic student and about to start a law degree when she was struck down by a fatal blood clot in her neck.

In her final days her dying wish was that her organs should go to people who needed them. She died at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol on September 19 and the five critical patients were operated on within days.

A 30-year-old man received a lung transplant, another man received her pancreas and a 47-year-old woman was given her liver.

A man in his 40s and woman in her 30s each received a kidney and all five people are now said to be in full health.

Vicki's corneas were also donated to two blind patients while her heart valves have been stored for possible use in the future.

Her mother Kerry Mrs Williams said: "For something good to come from her tragic death is comfort and solace to us at this time.

"We are proud that Vicki has helped someone and hope that others would do the same for us.

"I can still remember conversations I had with Vicki. I know her views were the same as ours. We both felt that to bury or burn organs was a complete waste when they could be used to help others.

"I know if a member of my family desperately needed a transplant, how grateful I would be. It was a final, selfless gesture."

Father Alan added: "I am proud of her. There was no pressure put on us whatsoever. It was all done very tastefully and we were kept informed at all stages. Everything was done sympathetically."

Sally Holmes, donor transplant co-ordinator of Southmead Hospital in Bristol, said: "Thank you to Alan and Kerry for their strength and courage at such a tragic time.

"We have 8,000 people waiting on the list in the UK and although we complete around 3,000 transplants a year, there are up to 1,000 people a year who die while waiting for transplants."

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