As part of National Transplant Week, Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson launched an appeal for more life-saving organ donors in her constituency.

Although 31 percent of people in the UK are already registered organ donors – a 50 percent increase since 2007, 3 people still die every year in the UK while they are on the waiting list because they do not receive an organ transplant in time.

Houghton and Sunderland South is below the national average, with 30 percent of people being registered organ donors. Over 35 people in the constituency have had their lives saved by organ donors since 2008 but that number could be even higher if more people became donors.

To register for organ donation, go to www.organdonation.nhs.ukor call 0300 123 23 23.

Bridget Phillipson MP said:

“With 14 people in my constituency in need of a lifesaving organ transplant, there is no better time for people to sign up for the NHS Organ Donor Register.

“At the moment, the government is working on new ways to increase the number of those who have already signed up for the donor registry. We need to work together to make sure people are getting the transplants they need.

“While much has been done already to increase the amount of organ donors, much more still can be done and needs to be done. This is why I am calling for my constituents to help save more lives by registering to be an organ donor.”

Picture: Sunderland Echo