Thanks for donor transplant help

On behalf of the thousands of people waiting for a transplant in the UK today, I would like to say a huge thank you to all your readers who have pledged to help others live after their death.

Thanks to them, and many others around the country, the number of people who have joined the NHS Organ Donor Register has reached 14 million.

Launched in 1994, the register has helped save thousands of lives and continues to every year, but only thanks to the generosity and courage of donors and their families have those achievements been possible.

Twenty-three per cent of people in the UK now want to leave a legacy of life to others by donating organs.

There is still a desperate shortage of donors, though, with more than 8,000 people needing a transplant to dramatically improve or save their life. Fewer than 3,000 transplants are carried out each year and last year alone more than 400 people died before receiving the second chance in life a transplant could have given them.

We know that many more people are willing to help, but just haven't got round to signing up. Many others already carry a donor card, but unless they turn this into a lasting record by joining the register and discussing their wishes with their family, those wishes may not be fulfilled.

To find out more call the Organ Donor Line on 0845 6060400 or visit www.uktransplant.org.uk

Chris Rudge, UK Transplant Managing & Transplant Director, Bristol