Joining the organ donor register takes just two minutes — but it could change someone’s life forever.
If you choose to become an organ donor, it’s important to share your decision with your loved ones. Knowing your wishes gives them the confidence to support your choice and helps ensure that organ donation can go ahead.
On 20 May, it marks six years since Max and Keira’s Law for deemed organ consent came into effect. The law is named in memory of Keira Ball, who was killed in a traffic accident and donated her heart, saving Max’s life.
To mark the anniversary and raise awareness, Dr Andrew Drummond, clinical lead for organ donation at The Royal Oldham Hospital, will lead a team of cyclists on Thursday 14 May for Join the Journey - a route from Salford Royal to Manchester Royal Infirmary - symbolising the journey donated organs take from donor to recipient.
Andrew said: “The number of people waiting for a life-saving organ transplant is at an all-time high, and taking two minutes now to record a decision to donate on the organ donor register could save up to nine lives.”
Across the UK, more than 8,000 people are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant.
Last year there were 21 organ donors from the Northern Care Alliance, resulting in 58 live-saving transplants.
Dr Vaidehi Godbole, clinical lead for organ donation at Salford Royal Hospital, added: “Most people are supportive of organ donation, but when they are in a position to help others by donating their organs, their families do not know what their wishes are.
“We need more people in Salford, Bury, Rochdale and Oldham to talk with their loved ones about organ donation to give them the certainty they need to support their organ donation decision.”
More information on organ donation, including the organ donor register, can be found at https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk
Scan the QR code below with the camera on your mobile phone to register your organ donor wishes today.
