Countdown's Whiteley helps two people see with cornea donation

Richard Whiteley, the host of television quiz Countdown who died last year, helped two people restore their eyesight by donating his corneas.

His long-term partner Kathryn Apanowicz gave permission for the donation of his tissue after his sudden death last year.

The former EastEnders and Emmerdale actress said she believed donating Whiteley's tissue was "the right thing to do."

She said: "I've always been a firm believer that if you are willing to receive a transplant, you should be willing to donate. Richard felt the same way."

"I have absolutely no doubt looking back that agreeing for Richard's tissues to be used for the benefit of someone else was the right thing to do."

Ms Apanowicz said she was at home when she received a telephone call from hospital staff asking about the possibility of donation.

She said: "For many people, the prospect of being contacted after the death of a loved one is a frightening one but I have to say the experience in our case was not like that."

"In many ways, receiving a telephone call at home after Richard's death was better than being approached whilst I was in hospital."

"It gave me the chance to take my time and consider the options before responding."

Tissue such as skin, bone, tendons and heart valves can be donated up to 48 hours after the heart stops beating.

Skin can be used to help burns victims, bone is used in orthopaedic surgery, tendons can help treat sports injuries and heart valves can be used to help patients with heart disease.

The operations involving Whiteley's corneas were carried out by an ophthalmic surgical team in St James's University Hospital in Leeds.

Under the anonymous donations process, the recipients were not told who the donor was.

Ms Apanowicz was approached as part of a new scheme involving NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), the Leeds Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Leeds.

Julie Wright, NHSBT senior tissue donor co-ordinator, said: "This scheme has already helped many patients have vital surgery to improve their quality of life, as well as giving more families the option of tissue donation."

"Many people say that giving permission for donation, so that tragedy at least results in hope for someone else, brings them great comfort."

Whiteley died in June last year at the age of 61 after suffering with pneumonia. He presented Countdown for 23 years.