Football fans promote the gift of life
Southport FC is backing a campaign that promotes organ donation.
Across the UK there are around 10,000 people who need a transplant. Three people a day die due to lack of donors.
Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has teamed up with the Sandgrounders to raise awareness of the issue.
Hundreds of information packs will be given to supporters at the National League match between Southport and Lincoln City on 16 April.
Andrew Kent, clinical lead for organ donation at the Trust, said: “People often talk about what music they’d like played at their funeral yet rarely talk about organ donation. It’s crucial we start to talk about this subject because it can help save lives.
“We want people to sign up to become donors and we also want existing donors to make sure their families know of their wishes if they die.
“Transplants can save or greatly enhance the lives of other people. But this relies on donors and their families agreeing to donate their organ or tissue.”
A spokesperson for Southport FC said: “Southport Football Club are delighted to be part of the initiative to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation. This is something which can impact on any one of us at any time.
“We will launch our awareness campaign at our next home Vanarama National League fixture versus Lincoln Town at the Merseyrail Community Stadium on Saturday April 16th.
“To play a part in saving lives in the future by publicising how we can carry donor cards and engaging with our families and friends is an honour for the club. We can all contribute to potentially helping others.”
To join the NHS Organ Donor Register, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk/signforlife or call 0300 123 23 23.
Let your friends and family know when you have signed the Organ Donor Register and join the conversation online by using the campaign hash tag #signforlife.
This summer sees the British Transplant Games take place in Liverpool. The Games aim to demonstrate the benefits of transplantation, encouraging transplant patients to regain fitness, whilst increasing public awareness of the need for more people to join the Organ Donation Register.
Photo caption: Trust staff are pictured with Southport FC player Jamie Allen (centre-right) and Neil Skidmore, the club’s Health Fitness and Match Analyst.
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