MILLIONS JOIN DONOR LIST AFTER MAX FIGHT
Three-year landmark of life-saving law change
HUNDREDS of lives could be saved every year thanks to Max and Keira’s Law, which came into force three years ago today.
When the Mirror began our Change the Law for Life campaign in 2016, there were 22.5 million people on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Now there are more than 30 million – around 46% of the population.
A total of 28 million are prepared to be organ donors – a rise of 5.5 million.
Max Johnson, 15, received a lifesaving heart transplant when he was nine. He led our call for a new law in England so that people are assumed to be donors when they die, rather than “opting in” by carrying a donor card.
The Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill was named Max and Keira’s Law in honour of Max and his heart donor Keira Ball, a nine-year-old who died in a car accident in 2017.
It was approved by the late Queen in 2019 and came into force on May 20, 2020. Max’s mum Emma said: “Even if it saves just one life, it will be worth it.”
Experts believe it will go on to save or transform the lives of around 700 people every year. And they paid tribute to the courage of Keira’s family for making the decision to donate her organs, saving four lives, including Max’s. Then-Prime Minister Theresa May was inspired to change the law by our front page, in which the schoolboy asked: “Why would you waste your organs when you die?”
Keira’s mum Loanna, 38, of Barnstaple, Devon, described news of millions more donors signing the register as awesome. “Wow, what a difference,” she added. “This should have come into force so many years ago. Many more lives could have been saved.
“My daughter is a true legend and has made such an impact in this world. Keira’s legacy will be here for ever.”
Max’s mum Emma, 52, of Winsford, Cheshire, said: “Max continues to thrive, powered by Keira’s gift.”
Since the law changed, there have been 3,455 deceased organ donors in England. Of these, 1,058 were assumed to be willing under the new law.
An NHS spokesman said: “It is important people confirm their support for donation. It ensures they leave their family in no doubt as to what they want.”
■ You can confirm your wishes at www.organdonation.nhs.uk
Keira is a true legend and her legacy will be here for ever LOANNA BALL, MUM OF NINE-YEAR-OLD KEIRA