Ahead of National Organ Donation Week (23rd-29th September), which marks 30 years of the NHS Organ Donor Register, an Isle of Wight family has shared their story about the importance of organ donation.
Last year, Isle of Wight NHS Trust supported 6 people to give the gift of organ donation after their death. But not many people die in circumstances that make it possible for them to donate their organs, which is why every potential donor is precious.
Neil Cole had registered his decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and, when he died suddenly in 2022, his wife Marie supported his decision and Neil saved the life of another person by donating his liver.
Neil was a very well-known Island resident and proprietor of the Sail ‘n’ Surf café. He had done so much for others during his life, so it was fitting that his final act was also one of charity – to give the gift of life to another.
This Organ Donation Week, Marie and the Sail ‘n’ Surf team are encouraging people to register their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register by proudly hosting an ‘Adventure Lab’ geocache – a virtual treasure hunt to promote the importance of organ donation. Find out more at: https://www.geocaching.com/sites/adventure-lab/en/.
Red Funnel ferries are also offering their support by promoting organ donation on their electronic screens on all craft throughout the week.
58,629 people on the Isle of Wight have already declared their decision through the NHS Organ Donor Register, which is the best way for their family to know what they want. 9 out of 10 families will support organ donation if their loved one had confirmed their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
With the law changing around organ donation, it is important to remember that it is assumed that when someone dies in the circumstances where they could be a donor, that they agree to donate if they haven’t officially opted out. However, no-one is automatically added to the Organ Donor Register. You still need to confirm your decision and your family will be consulted before donation goes ahead.
To find out more and confirm your decision, visit the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk. Users of the NHS app, can also use this to record, check or amend their details or decision.
