Nhssayyoucould givethegiftoflife

Organ Donation Week started on Monday (September 4) and NHS Lanarkshire are urging residents to show their support by joining the Organ Donor Register.

The health board are hoping this latest campaign will be boosted thanks to the recent British Transplant Games which were held in the area during the summer.

Across the country, there are almost 600 people who are waiting for a transplant.

Dr Iain Wallace, who is chair of the health board’s Organ Donation Committee, said: “Organ donation offers the opportunity to give the gift of life.

“It not only helps transform an individual’s life, it also transforms the lives of the family and friends who have been supporting them while waiting for a transplant.

“Lanarkshire’s commitment to increasing organ donation was underlined in July when the British Transplant Games were hosted here.

“The Games were a fantastic celebration of the energy and enthusiasm of people who have had a transplant and it’s vital that we continue the momentum the event created to encourage others to join the register.

“By signing up you can ensure that you have the opportunity to make a huge difference to the lives of those who would benefit from a transplant. And remember to tell your relatives about your organ donation decision, as families are twice as likely to honour your choice if they know that’s what you would have wanted.”

Across Scotland, there are 4345 people currently alive thanks to organ donors and their families.

As a nation, 45 per cent of people have already shared their decision to become an organ donor by joining the Register. However, there are still nearly 600 people waiting on a life-saving transplant.

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register visit www. organdonationscotland.org.