We must talk about donation

Back in the day (I’m talking early 1990s), Bob Hoskins told us it was ‘good to talk.’

He was right, but he was only telling us this because he was being paid to encourage people to use the phone.

Today, mum Fay Murrish is passing on the same message.

The difference here is that, rather than trying to increase a company’s profits like Hoskins in the old BT TV adverts, Fay is trying to save lives.

Fay’s daughter Chanel has already undergone a number of heart ops, but a heart transplant is inevitable.

Unfortunately, with our country operating an opt-in system of organ donation, when she eventually does need a transplant, the odds will be against Chanel.

As a newspaper we have backed the campaign to make all UK citizens appear on the organ donor register.

But until that becomes a reality, children like Chanel have to hope as many people as possible opt in to the register.

In Sunderland, over the last 10 years, the reluctance to talk about and act upon organ donation has, we’re told, has cost 37 lives.

That is how many people in our community who have died waiting for suitable donor to appear on the register.

Chanel’s story is a remarkable one.

She was born with only half a heart and made history by becoming the youngest ever to undergo heart surgery.

Chanel has proved a fighter, but to give her a fighting chance in the future, more people need to sign up.

Mum Fay admits it may not be an easy topic to discuss, but it could save a life like Chanel’s.

When it comes to organ donation, it’s not just good to talk, it’s vital.