Firefighter urges people to sign up to be cornea donors

ABRISTOL firefighter who suffered a freak accident is fronting a campaign to encourage people to sign up for cornea donation.

Last year, 3,529 people in England had their sight restored through corneal transplants. However, there is still an urgent need for more people to donate their corneas as currently around 6,000 patients wait with an average time of 18 months.

By registering for eye donation – which includes the cornea and sclera – you could potentially help up to 10 people have their sight restored and allow them to see their friends and family properly again.

Among those helped is Bristol firefighter Marcus Sherborne.

The 51-year-old said: “I was on holiday in New Zealand when I was working on a farm and a metal bar struck my face, causing significant damage to my eyes and socket. The possibility of a corneal transplant gave me hope for improving my eyesight. I underwent the transplant at Bristol Eye Hospital, and since then, my vision has become much more stable, allowing me to continue my work in the fire service.

“I am immensely grateful to the family of the cornea donor as their generosity has made a significant difference in my life and that of my family”.

A video featuring Marcus sharing his experience as a cornea recipient is being shared across social media to highlight the impact donation can have.

Kyle Bennett, assistant director for tissue and eye services at NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We understand that people often attribute more emotion and symbolism to the eyes compared to other parts of the body. However, donating sight means there can be light after darkness, which is why we are reminding people to consider the profound gift of sight.”

As of the end of March 2023, 81% of people who have signed the NHS Organ Donor Register expressed a willingness to donate all organs and tissue. However, 11.5% of all registrants opted out of cornea donation, and if this trend persists, it could potentially leave more than 400 patients without sight each year. To sign up to the register, or amend your existing entry, visit nhs.uk or call 0300 1232323.