Daniel's Law: My son wanted to 'help other people'

Diane Taylor says it gives her goosebumps to know the law is named after her son

As we all welcomed in 2026, here on the Island we also welcomed in a major new piece of legislation.

The Human Tissue and Organ Donation Act came into force on 1 January.

It means that the Isle of Man is now subject to an opt-out organ donation system, bringing us into line with the UK, Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey.

Perhaps better known as 'Daniel's Law', it's named in honour of 15-year-old Daniel Boyde, who died following a road accident in 2007 - after which he saved four lives by donating his heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys.

His mum, Diane Taylor, has long campaigned for the change to a system of deemed consent, and says she's 'immensely proud':

Excluded groups from the new opt-out legislation include those under the age of 18; people who lack the mental capacity to understand the new arrangements and take the necessary action; visitors to the Isle of Man, and those not living here voluntarily.