Opt-out donation system is a welcome step

“You never think it is going to happen to you.”

As a journalist, these are words you hear a lot. People often believe bad news is something that affects others.

That was the case with Alan Docherty, at least until he was diagnosed with a severe kidney problem in his early 20s.

Three years ago Alan had to undergo a kidney transplant. At the time he paid an emotional tribute through the pages of the Reformer to the person whose kidney he has received.

It is always sad when a loved one dies, but whoever that person was, they were able to give Alan the gift of life through the donation of their organ.

At the time, Alan called for an optout system of organ donation to be introduced in Scotland and last week the first steps were taken to make that a reality when the Scottish Government announced it would introduce legislation to that effect.

It is difficult to think of a downside to an opt-out system. People will still have their wishes respected while families will be involved.

Hopefully it will have the desired affect and more lives, such as Alan’s, can be transformed. See what he had to say on pages four and five.

Elsewhere this week, Rutherglen Police have announced they will give extra attention to known crime hotspots over the summer holidays.

Antisocial behaviour is probably in the top three biggest local concerns of everyone in Rutherglen and Cambuslang, and indeed communities all over the country.

Police will be hoping their presence means a quiet summer, but still one which is enjoyable for our children and teenagers. Read the full story on page seven.