100,000 lives are saved by organ donors after death

But arecord wait as more relatives say No

- Giles Sheldrick

FAMILIES of organ donors who have given the gift of life to 100,000 people in 30 years are urging people to sign up and help their legacies live on.

They made their plea as it emerged an increasing number of bereaved relatives are turning down donor requests.

Organ Donation Week starts today but the number of people needing a lifesaving transplant in the UK stands at 11,000 - a 10-year record high.

Declined

The NHS Organ Donor Register was created in 1994 to allow people to record their wish to donate vital body parts including hearts, kidneys and lungs.

However, figures show the consent rate fell to 61% in 2023/24 down from 69% four years ago.