Host of celebrities back the ‘We Need Everybody’ call
People across Scotland are being urged to make this year’s Organ Donation Week count by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.
The call comes as new figures released today highlight that over 10,000 generous Scots showed their support for organ donation by joining the Register in July, a figure which continues to rise.
The surge of registrations over the four week period (04 July – 04 August 2016) was in response to the ‘We Need Everybody’ campaign which showed people baring almost all to highlight that anyone can be an organ donor.
However, with one person dying in the UK every day waiting on an organ transplant1, the more people that join the Register, the more lives that can be saved.
A host of celebrities, including Dougray Scott, John Hannah, Laura Fraser, The Proclaimers, Michelle McManus and Martin Compston, have backed the Week, encouraging Scots to think about their organ donation wishes.
Currently, 40.1 per cent of people living in NHS Forth Valley area are on the NHS Organ Donor Register2, but there are 540 people in Scotland still waiting on a life-saving transplant.
Increasing registrations is vital, as less than one per cent of deaths in Scotland happen in circumstances where the person is actually able to donate their organs3.
Dr Mark Worsley, Clinical Lead Organ Donation NHS Forth Valley, said:
“Every transplant transforms the life of the recipient, but without donors, there can be no transplants. Perhaps it’s not widely known, but each donor can provide up to seven organs for transplantation.
“Most of us would accept a donated organ if we needed one so it makes sense for us to be willing to join the organ donation register.”
Organ Donation Week runs from 5-11 September 2016. Visit weneedeverybody.org to join the NHS Organ Donor Register today.
ENDS
For further information, contact Linda McIntyre at Consolidated PR on 0131 240 6420 / 0771 890 4734 or email scotland@consolidatedpr.com
Celebrity quotes:
Craig and Charlie Reid (The Proclaimers) said: “We send our support to the Scottish Government’s initiative on organ donation which we back 100% and we would encourage people to sign the register.”
Deacon Blue singer Lorraine McIntosh said: “I’m backing Organ Donation Week because I think it’s so important people understand the difference they can make by joining the Organ Donor Register. If you haven’t got round to it, make today the day, and let your family know your wishes.”
Deacon Blue singer Ricky Ross, “Such a simple act can help save a life. I hope lots of people get behind Organ Donation Week and sign up.”
Actor Paul Brannigan said: “You never know what’s round the corner. One day you or someone in your family might need to rely on the Organ Donor Register. We can all help give someone a better life so it’s worth taking a couple of minutes to sign up.”
Actress Laura Fraser said: “With one person dying every day in the UK whilst waiting on an organ transplant, the need for more donors is clear. It would be great if everyone who supports organ donation takes the time to join the Organ Donor Register this week.”
Radio DJ and comedian Des Clarke said: “Big ones, small ones, lean ones, wrinkly ones…everyone can be an organ donor and save a life. Show your support for those waiting on a transplant by joining the Organ Donor Register now.”
Nutritionist and TV presenter Amanda Hamilton said: “Many people rule themselves out of considering organ donation because they think that nobody will want their organs. Whilst it’s true that making the right choices about diet and exercise is key to enjoying good health and wellbeing, the reality is that everyone has the potential save a life. So don’t rule yourself out. If you want to help someone waiting on a transplant, sign up today.”
Singer Michelle McManus said: “I can’t imagine what life waiting on an organ transplant must be like, and there are so many people on Scotland out there, hoping that one day they’ll get the call. Everybody has it in them to save a life, so if you support organ donation, join the Organ Donor Register today.”
Clare Grogan said: “I’m backing Organ Donation Week to help raise awareness that everyone can save a life. I hope as many people as possible get behind the Week, by joining the Organ Donor Register – I already have.”
Actor John Hannah said: “It costs nothing to save a life- reuse and recycle right! Get with the programme.”
Actor Dougray Scott said: “Joining the Organ Donor Register only takes two minutes, and it just might make the world of difference to someone who is needs that vital life-saving transplant.”
Actor Martin Compston said: “If you want to be an organ donor, and help someone in need, take the time today to join the Organ Donor Register. Let’s make this Organ Donation Week the best yet. Every single registration counts.”
Gregor Fisher said “I’m supporting Organ Donation Week because anything that helps save lives can only be good, especially with so many people in Scotland waiting on a transplant. Make today the day you add your name to the Organ Donor Register.”
Notes to editors:
1 Total number of deaths of those listed for transplant – 480 in 2015/16 (source: NHS Blood and Transplant)
2 Numbers on the NHS Organ Donor Register in Scotland as at 31 March 2016 (source: NHS Blood and Transplant)
3 Taking Organ Transplantation to 2020 – A detailed strategy (source: NHS Blood and Transplant)