A million sign up as organ donors

September 20, 2005

Thanks a million - that's the message after a million kind-hearted people signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register in less than 12 months.

Their spectacular response to UK Transplant's "one million challenge" - launched last October to mark the register's 10th anniversary - means that the target has been reached well ahead of schedule.

More than 12.6 million "lifesavers" have now pledged to help someone else to live after their death by registering their wishes on the NHSOrgan Donor Register.

UK Transplant Director of Communications Penny Hallett, said: "This is a huge tribute to the generosity of people in the UK, and sends a tremendous message of support to the thousands of people who need an organ transplant to save or enhance their lives.

"To have reached a million new registrations in a year would have been magnificent but to do so in a little over 11 months is superb.

"I hope this will inspire even more people to pledge the gift of life and add their names to the register."

More than 8,000 people in the UK need an organ transplant, but the shortage of donors means that less than 3,000 transplants are carried out each year and more than 400 die while waiting.

Penny added: "We know that many relatives say 'no' to donating their loved one's organs simply because they don't know their wishes or have never discussed organ donation. That's why it is so vital that people talk about organ donation with their family and friends and record their wishes on the register.

"We'd also like to encourage donor card holders to sign up too. A card can easily get lost or you might not always have it with you.

"The more people who join, the more people stand to benefit in the future.

" You can sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) by phone, online, by picking up a form at their GP's surgery. Many people also register via partnership schemes run with other organisations. The most popular way to register is via the tick box on the DVLAdriver's licence application form.

This article posted October 9, 2005.

A million sign up as organ donors

Transplant News