Today we’ve seen the launch of the 2015 Westfield Health British Transplant Games, which will be held in NewcastleGateshead from 30 July to 2 August next year.
I’ve been involved with the Transplant Games for many years and it’s always an incredibly moving experience seeing all the athletes who’ve had a life-saving transplant enjoying their renewed energy and health.
To us, that’s what it’s all about and why it’s so important to raise awareness of the crucial need for more organ donors and the vital impact that successful transplantation can have on those who need it.
It’s thought that around 7,000 people across the UK are now waiting for a transplant. Sadly, three people will lose their life each day while waiting for a donor organ to become available.
So we’ve made it our mission to encourage people in the UK to join the NHS Organ Donor Register and, importantly, to share their wishes with their loved ones.
It only takes a minute to add your name to the Organ Donor Register (ODR) and, by doing so, you can really make a difference. Just one donor can save up to nine lives and, in 2013/14 alone, thanks largely to those registered on the ODR, more than 1,300 lives were saved.
Play your part today and show your support for organ donation. For more information, go to www.organdonation.nhs.uk, text SAVE to 62323 or call the NHS Organ Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23.
And to read more about the British Transplant Games, visit www.britishtransplantgames.co.uk