More than 10,000 people in the UK currently need a transplant. Of these three a day will die waiting as there are not enough organs available.Alex Kamadu, Transformation Fellow for NHS IQ, has registered to be an organ donor for his NHS Change Day 2015 action.
‘I’ve been thinking about donating my organs when I die for some time but I’m an overly superstitious guy and have put off the commitment until now. I have lost close friends and family in recent years and watched others endure illness and that made me think maybe one day I may need a transplant or someone close to me. So, I have finally taken that step and registered my intentions’.
‘I figured if I had the opportunity to give someone the gift of experiencing as full a life as I’ve had, then why not. Don’t put off making decisions like this and let others know your intentions once you have made the choice. ‘
Last year, a record 4,655 people's lives were transformed by a transplant. One in four of all transplants are from living donors. One donor can save the life of several people, restore the sight of two others and improve the quality of life of many more. A number of organs, as well as tissue such as corneas, skin, bones, tendons and heart valves can be donated.
If you do wish to be an organ donor, you can register and find out more at www.organdonation.nhs.uk. Once you have registered it is important to tell those closest to you that you have registered, so that they know you have made this decision.