Over 100 need organ donor this Christmas
Families urged to talk about subject ahead of law change
MORE than 100 people are hoping for a lifesaving gift this Christmas.
At present, 117 people in Leicestershire are facing Christmas on the waiting list for an organ transplant.
They are among more than 6,000 people across the UK, including more than 180 children.
Families are being urged to share their organ donation decision this festive season, so their loved ones know what they want when they die.
Anthony Clarkson, director of organ donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Christmas is an incredibly busy time of year.
“However, away from the rush and bustle of preparing for the holiday, it should also be a time for family and thinking of others.
“We are urging everyone in Leicestershire to take a moment to think about the people who will spend their Christmas hoping for just one thing: a lifesaving organ transplant.
“Would you like to help if you could? If you needed a transplant, would you want someone to donate to you?
“Please let your family know what your organ donation decision is so we can save more lives.
“Every precious organ donor allows more families to spend special times together.
“A quick chat can save lives and we know that, even at a time of grief, families take enormous comfort and pride from their loved one’s donation.”
From the spring, the law about organ donation is changing. All adults in Leicestershire will be considered as having agreed to donate their organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate – opt out – or are in one of the groups not covered by the new law.
In the lead up to the change in the law, NHS Blood and Transplant is urging families to talk about their decision.
It said if the time comes, families find the organ donation conversation much easier if they already know what their relative wanted.
A TV advert which explains more about the law change will be shown from Christmas. There is more information and a chance to join the donor register or amend details at: