Since January 2001, more than 23,000 life-saving organ transplants have been made possible thanks to the generosity of donors and their families but during the same period, at least 4,500 people died while waiting because a suitable organ could not be found in time.

More than a quarter of the UK population has joined the Register pledging their organs for transplant after their death but the number of people waiting for the call telling them that a life-saving organ has been found for them has risen to almost 8,000 and continues to steadily increase.  In fact, three people a day die while waiting because of the shortage of donated organs.

Joining the register is easy.  Call the organ donor line on 0845 6060400, go online at www.organdonation.nhs.uk or text GIVE to 84118.