Middlesbrough mum ‘forever grateful’ daughter’s donated heart

According to the NHS, some 408 people died last year while on the UK transplant waiting list, with Anna-Louise saying just 1% of people end up being eligible to be a donor.

Since 2015 in Wales, 2020 in England and 2021 in Scotland, authorities have operated an opt-out service, external, where adults are presumed to be donors unless they declare otherwise on the NHS Organ Donation Register.

But families will still be consulted and can object.

The system does not apply to people under 18 and decisions regarding children are made by their families, although anyone of any age can add themselves to the register.

Chloe in Middlesbrough is also asking people to think about it in advance, what would they do if the unthinkable happened?

“You do not want to think about your child dying, I understand that” she says.

“But look at the children doing well, what can come from thinking about it and making that decision to donate.

“I totally respect people’s choices.

“It’s just about thinking and talking about it.”

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