Huge number of Scots sign up to be organ donors

During National Transplant week, over 2,800 Scottish people signed up to be organ donors.
There are currently 560 people on the organ transplat list waiting for a life saving match Picture: Rob McDougalThere are currently 560 people on the organ transplat list waiting for a life saving match Picture: Rob McDougal
There are currently 560 people on the organ transplat list waiting for a life saving match Picture: Rob McDougal

The event, taking place 7 to 13 September, saw an equivalent of one person every three minutes.

The NHS Organ Donors Register asked that 2,015 people sign up to be organ donors during the awareness week - and their expectations were exceeded when 2,809 people registered.

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Ten year old transplant recipient, Evan Goodbrand helped to kick start the appeal for more Scots to join the NHS Organ Donor Register, and give hope to the 560 people in Scotland waiting on a life-saving transplant.

Evan, who is now living a healthy and happy life, joined his mum Karen and dad Paul to show how he's living proof of the difference organ donation can make 

Picture: Chris JamesEvan, who is now living a healthy and happy life, joined his mum Karen and dad Paul to show how he's living proof of the difference organ donation can make 

Picture: Chris James
Evan, who is now living a healthy and happy life, joined his mum Karen and dad Paul to show how he's living proof of the difference organ donation can make Picture: Chris James

Evan was also celebrating his ten year anniversary of his liver transplant in September 2015.

Speaking about the target being smashed, Evan’s mother, Karen Goodbrand said: “It’s fantastic that Evan’s story inspired and motivated people to act. For us, he’s testament to the life-changing impact of organ donation, and I know there are so many people across Scotland like us who are grateful to those who express their wish to help someone after their death by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.

“Evan was a very sick little boy and we’ll never stop being grateful for the second chance at life his transplant gave him. It has meant everything, and Evan is chuffed to bits that so many people have shown their support.”

The Organ Donation Scotland campaign aims to highlight that the more people that register, the more likely someone will get the transplant they need, as less than one per cent of deaths in Scotland occur in circumstances where the person is able to donate their organs.

Public Health Minister Maureen Watt expressed her thanks, saying: “I’d like to thank everyone who got behind National Transplant Week by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register. It’s fantastic so many were motivated to act.

“This surge of support during National Transplant Week shows that there are many people out there who support organ donation, but perhaps hadn’t got round to expressing their support.

“Scotland is leading the way with the highest percentage of people in the UK on the register, but there are still not enough organs to meet the current need, which is why we need more people to join.

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“Every registration and every family conversation about organ donation could potentially save a life and give hope to the 560 people waiting in Scotland. If you support organ donation, I’d encourage you to join the register today.”

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