The following is taken from the NHS UK Transplant website at http://www.uktransplant.org.uk/how_to_become_a_donor/how_to_become_a_donor.htm
Today more than 5,500 people in the UK are waiting for an organ transplant that could save or dramatically improve their life.
Most are waiting for a kidney*, others for a heart, lung or liver transplant. But less than 3,000 transplants are carried out each year.
There is a desperate need for more donors. Last year nearly 400 people died while waiting for a transplant. One in ten people waiting for a heart transplant will die and many others will lose their lives before they even get on to the waiting list.
Transplants are one of the most miraculous achievements of modern medicine. But they depend entirely on the generosity of donors and their families who are willing to make this life-saving gift to others.
The more people who pledge to donate their organs after their death, the more people stand to benefit. By choosing to join the NHS Organ Donor Register you could help make sure life goes on.
* This is my motivation for posting this topic. My cousin 40, years old next year, has been on dialysis since he was 15. His situation is now desperate.
You can now register as a donor online and print off your own card. ( https://www.uktransplant.org.uk/odronline/servlet/mydetailsservlet ) Don't do it rashly or without thinking it through and make sure your spouse/family are aware of your decision. Read through the website, ther's a lot of good advice.
Nic'