THOUSANDS of new organ donors have come forward to give the greatest gift of all following the launch of The Press’s drive to save countless lives.

Yesterday marked the 50th day of our Lifesavers campaign, which aims to recruit 20,000 new donors by the end of 2010, and new figures show 2,519 have already signed up – an average of more than 50 a day.

Joanne Turner, York Hospital’s donor transplant coordinator, praised the response, but the good news was tempered by tragedy when the NHS revealed the past month had seen two more people in our circulation die while awaiting a transplant.

Miss Turner said: “It’s fantastic news so many local people have joined the Organ Donor Register since the start of this campaign. Thank you to those who have taken the time to think about organ donation and made the commitment to join the register.

“With this great news though, we must remember that in this time, many people – some local – have died having not had the transplant they have needed, so it is very important that people continue to think about organ donation and join the register to make a real difference.”

The Lifesavers campaign was launched in December, following the death of 22-year-old Miss York finalist Emma Young, who died while awaiting a new lung.

Her father David Young said that while it was still a difficult time for the family, he was happy that so many new people had joined the register.

Mr Young said: “This really is fantastic news.

“It would have been Emma’s birthday this past Saturday – we sent 23 Chinese lanterns into the sky. Of course, there are many mixed emotions around this time for us, but I am thrilled that more people are becoming aware of how important the issue is because there have not been many quality donors in the past.”

Steve Hughes, managing editor of The Press, said: “The response from readers since we launched the Lifesavers campaign has been tremendous, but the joy is tempered by the news that two more people in our region have died while awaiting a transplant.

“These tragedies reinforce the importance of the campaign and of organ donation. If you have not yet joined the register, it is vital that you do so. Don’t delay it any longer.”

Selby MP John Grogan said: “The Press’s campaign has raised the profile of organ donation and its value within North Yorkshire. It is obvious to me that people are talking about the campaign all around the area as I have received many letters on the subject."


How to join the organ donor register

The Press launched its Lifesavers campaign last month, with the aim of recruiting an extra 20,000 donors in our circulation area by the end of 2010.

When we launched, the tally in our circulation area stood at 244,106 – today, it is 246,625.

You can join the register by:

· Going online at organdonation.nhs.uk

· Phoning the 24-hour donor line on 0300 123 23 23

· Texting SAVE to 84118.

You can also join when you:

· Register for a driving licence · Register at a GP surgery

· Register for a European Health Insurance Card

· Apply for a Boots Advantage card.

Leaflets have also been sent to every shop or outlet that sells The Press, and are also displayed in GPs surgeries, libraries and many hospitals and pharmacies.