There are millions of registered organ donors in the UK, but sadly three people still die every day in need of a transplant. Therefore, this Organ Donation Week 2018, NHS Blood and Transplant are campaigning for Words Save Lives.
It’s a devastating fact that many donation opportunities are lost every year because families haven’t discussed whether they want to be donors or not. This is crucial to enable organ donation to take place.
Here at Fat Beehive we’ve always tried to do our small part to help. Last October, we focused our efforts on encouraging our staff, clients and friends to become blood and organ donors. Similarly, in February this year we promoted the NHS’s NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and Moonpig’s series of Valentines cards highlighting the importance of telling loved ones about a decision to become an organ donor.
This is a subject that’s particularly close to my heart, as I’ve seen first hand the priceless effect that organ donation can have on a life. Back in 2014 one of my dearest friends was left fighting for her life after a terrible infection led to her needing an emergency liver transplant. Luckily a donor became available, which gave her some more precious time with her family and friends. However, following rejection and many difficult times, Aislinn lost her battle, and we lost a great friend, a loving wife and the adoring mother of two small children.
This is why on the 8th September, I will be taking part in the Thames Path Challenge 100km walk (non stop, overnight) to raise funds for The British Liver Trust so that other families can benefit. Aislinn’s fighting spirit hasn’t left us and that’s what has inspired us to keep going on the training and hopefully through to the end of the mammoth route!
If you would like to support me, you can sponsor me here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/katystollidayandcarolinetaylor
And whilst you’re doing that don’t forget to sign up the donor register – you could save or prolong a life.
There are over 100 types of liver condition; some are very rare and many can’t be prevented. 20% of the population is at risk of liver disease. There are many causes people don’t know about – it is completely misunderstood. The British Liver Trust supports patients and families, provides advice and information and works with doctors, nurses and other charities to improve patient care.
#WordsSaveLives #BritishLiverTrust #ThamesPathChallenge
