THOUSANDS of people in our region have joined the Organ Donor Register since we launched our campaign – but many thousands more are needed.

When we launched Lifesavers in December, there were 244,106 people in our circulation area on the donor list. Today, that figure stands at 250,478 – but the need for people to sign up is greater than ever.

The recruitment rate was hit by a scare earlier this year, when a number of people who signed up while applying for a driving licence had their information mis-recorded.

That slip meant people who agreed to donate some of their organs were recorded as being willing donors for all organs, and the anxiety over that led to some people thinking twice before signing up. It affected about 20 people over six years.

A spokeswoman for NHS Blood and Transplant said yesterday: “While we deeply regret any distress that was caused by this error it is vital that people continue to sign up to the Organ Donor Register and give hope to those desperately waiting for an organ transplant.

“We are delighted in the success of The Press campaign and hope that people will continue to be inspired to sign up throughout the year.”


How to join the register

JOINING the Organ Donor Register could not be easier.

You can sign up by completing the form below and sending it to Freepost RRZK-SHUXSBCK, NHS Blood and Transplant, FoxDen Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8RR.

Alternatively, you can sign up by:

• Going online at organdonation.nhs.uk

• Phoning the 24-hour donor line on 0300 1232323

• Texting SAVE to 84118