During Organ Donation Week local MP, Toby Perkins has pledged to help save lives by encouraging all those they represent to talk to their families about organ donation this week and sign the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Toby Perkins is taking action as nationally three people die every day in need of an organ. He is calling on each and every person in Chesterfield to talk to their family about organ donation and make it clear if they want to save lives.

Families will always be approached about donation if a loved one can donate their organs. Knowing what you wanted can help your family support their decision at a difficult time.

NHS Blood and Transplant and Kidney Care UK have praised the MP for making this pledge during Organ Donation Week.

More and more families in Chesterfield are saying yes to organ donation but there is still an urgent shortage of donors around the country.

After attending an event in Parliament on Wednesday to mark the event Toby Perkins stated: “I have been hearing from someone desperately waiting for organ donation and from those wanting to get the legislation through. I strongly support this campaign and know it is vitally important for every person waiting for a transplant and of course for their families and friends. We need more people in Chesterfield to talk about organ donation to increase the number of lifesaving transplants. Only one third of adults in England have told their partner or their family they want to donate, despite 8 out of 10 people telling us they would be willing to donate or would consider it. Sadly, many opportunities are lost every year because families don’t know if their loved one wanted to be a donor or not.”

Also attending the event Anthony Clarkson, Interim Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We are very grateful to Toby Perkins for his support during Organ Donation Week. Words save lives. Please, tell your family you want to save lives through organ donation, because it could be the difference between life and death for someone else.”

Fiona Loud, Policy Director at Kidney Care UK, said: “Last year more than 400 people died whilst waiting for a transplant so it’s vital that we find ways to help save lives. With around 6,000 people waiting for that life changing call, and 80% of these hoping for a kidney transplant, we are urging people to have a chat with their families and make sure they know how you feel about organ donation.”

Millions of people are already on the NHS Organ Donor Register, join them today and tell your family you want to save lives. Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk