FOOTBALL fans were invited to save a life, as York City FC backed The Press’s campaign to boost organ donation rates.

As reported in The Press yesterday, the promotion-chasing Bootham Crescent club have backed our Lifesavers initiative, which aims to get an extra 20,000 people in our region to join the register by the end of 2010.

Details of the campaign were printed in the programme for yesterday’s York v Altrincham match in the Blue Square Premier league, and supporters were handed organ donation forms as they left after the game, which city won 2-1.

Joanne Turner, donor transplant co-ordinator at York Hospital, said: “It is great to have the support of York City in this crucial campaign.

“There are many local people who have had their lives transformed by transplants and many who are on waiting lists for a much-needed transplant.

“With the help of York City, we hope to get the message across to the local community to think about organ donation, and if they support it then to make it known to their loved ones and join the organ donor register.”

We launched our campaign in December, following the death of 22-year-old Miss York finalist Emma Young, who died while awaiting a double lung transplant.

The initiative has since been backed by Health Secretary Andy Burnham and local politicians of all parties, while many people who have received, or are awaiting transplants, have also told their stories.

To join the Organ Donor Register, phone 0300 123 23 23, visit organdonation.nhs.uk or text SAVE to 84118 • Match report: 38 & 39