FIFTY two people in North Yorkshire have died waiting for a transplant in the last five years, new figures have revealed.

The figures also show that 91 people in North Yorkshire, including 15 people from York, had their lives saved by a transplant last year.

Tragically, despite the fact more and more people are supporting donating their loved one’s organs, there is still an urgent need for more people to get behind donation.

Right now there are around 6,000 people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant across the UK.

During Organ Donation Week, from today to Sunday, September 3 to 9, the NHS is encouraging families to talk about donation with the message – ‘Words Save Lives’.

NHS Blood and Transplant is urging more people to tell their families that they want to save lives through organ donation.

Anthony Clarkson, interim director of organ donation and transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “It’s tragic that so many people from North Yorkshire have died waiting for a transplant – what is shocking is that many of those lives could have been saved, had more families agreed to donate organs.

“People are dying every day because some families are not talking about donation. We need more families in North Yorkshire to say yes to organ donation, so that more lives can be saved.”

He added: “We all know that organ donation legislation will change to a deemed consent system in England and Scotland in future years but the harsh fact is people are dying right now waiting for an organ and it will still be important for people to know your decision.

“We don’t want people to die because of a fatal complacency that because you know you want to be an organ donor you presume your loved ones know it too.

“Please, let your family know your decision and ask them if they want to be donors. Don’t leave your family guessing what you would have wanted to happen.

“We know that many families feel enormous pride and comfort at knowing that their relative went on to save lives through the gift of organ donation.”

As part of Organ Donation Week, councils and organisations around the country are lighting prominent buildings pink, which is the colour of the modern donor card, in support of the country’s organ donation campaign.

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk.