CASSIE McCord, the teenager tragically killed by a car driver last year, gave the gift of life to others after her death.

The Colchester Sixth Form student, 16, was hit by a car driven by Colin Horsfall, 87, on the pavement in Head Street, Colchester, on February 7.

She was taken to Colchester General Hospital before being transferred to the specialist unit at Queen’s Hospital, in Romford.

Shortly before midnight the next day, two doctors carried out tests and declared her brain dead.

Cassie’s body was kept functioning until 4.45am, when surgeons removed her organs for transplant.

Her liver, pancreas, kidneys, corneas and scleras (eyeball coatings) were donated.

Cassie’s mother, Jackie McCord, is a supporter of organ donation, but spoke of the deeply traumatic moment the issue of organ donation was discussed.

She said: “A woman called Maria approached us and asked us about the possibility of organ donation.

“I will always remember her. I would not want that job if it was the last one in the world.

“I do believe people should opt out of organ donation rather than opt in.

“It would stop people having to make that decision at that awful time.”

Mrs McCord had wanted Cassie’s lungs and heart donated, too, but was prevented from doing so by the possibility of a criminal investigation into the crash.

Now Mrs McCord has received an anonymous letter from the recipient of her daughter’s liver and pancreas.

The woman, who is married with a daughter, said she had been diabetic for 22 years before she became ill.

After four years of deteriorating health, she was facing death.

However, she is now recovering, thanks to the transplant.

In her letter, she said: “I just want you to know I am taking good care of your gift and will continue to do so.

“I can’t express how forever grateful and hopelessly in awe I and my family are of you and your family.

“Thank you for my second chance of life. Thank you for giving my daughter her mummy back and my husband his wife.”

Mrs McCord said: “I will write back to her. I will tell her they are hers now.”