I was saddened to read your report about Cath Dunphy's tragic death (Evening Press, August 12). I add UK Transplant's condolences to Cath's family while also thanking them for agreeing to her wishes for her organs to be donated.

That selfless act - at the moment of their deepest grief - has provided the gift of life to at least five other people.

I also thank the Evening Press for its accompanying editorial highlighting that Cath had discussed with her family her wish to be an organ donor in the event of her death, and for showing how we all have the chance to enable someone to live after our death.

To that end, the article urges your readers to carry a donor card.

However, the NHS Organ Donor Register is a more effective and secure way for people to register their wishes; donor cards can be lost or damaged and people may not be carrying them when they are taken to hospital.

The register is maintained by UK Transplant, an NHS special authority, and was introduced ten years ago. So far more than 12.5 million people have signed up.

To find out more about organ donation, transplantation, and to sign up to the register, contact the Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400 or visit www.uktransplant.org.uk.

Even those already carrying a donor card should get in touch to ensure their wishes are recorded.

Transplants are undoubtedly one of the most remarkable achievements of modern medicine.

However, a critical shortage of donor organs means there are now 8,000 people needing a transplant and around 400 of these die each year while waiting.

John Oliver,

Senior public relations officer

UK Transplant,

Fox Den Road,

Stoke Gifford, Bristol.

Updated: 10:02 Tuesday, September 20, 2005