Are you an organ donor?

I recently read a book called ‘The Legacy of Lucy Harte’ by Emma Heatherington.

It tells the story of how a little called Lucy helped to save the life of an 18 year old called Maggie by donating her heart. Whilst the book is a work of fiction, the message it tells is a very important one.

For as long as I can remember, I have been an organ donor. It’s something that I feel has to done. After all, when I’m gone, I’m not going to need my organs anymore and if I can help to save or prolong someone else’s life by donating my organs then that can only be a good thing surely?

Did you know that from spring 2020, organ donation in England will move to an ‘opt out’ system. You may also hear it referred to as ‘Max and Keira’s Law’.

This means that all adults in England will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die unless they have recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups.

You still have a choice if you want to be an organ donor or not when you die. For more information, click here.

If, like me, you live in Wales, the legislation for Wales is ‘deemed consent’. This means that if you haven’t registered an organ and tissue donation decision (opt in or opt out), you will be considered to have no objection to becoming a donor.

Why become an organ donor?

Organ donation is an opportunity to help others. You could effectively prolong or save someone else’s life. Why would you not want to do that?

People who are on an organ donation waiting list typically have end-stage organ disease that significantly impacts their quality of life and may be near the end of their life. Receiving an organ can become a life-changing event for these people.

Everyday, there are nearly 124,000 people on the waiting list for an organ and approximately 10 additional people are added each day. (Source)

Did you know that one organ donor has the potential to save eight lives, save or improve as many as 60 lives and enhance the eyesight of two. (Source) How amazing is that?

Are you an organ donor? You can find out more online here.