During Organ Donation Week Paula Sherriff MP has pledged to help save lives by encouraging all those she represents to talk to their families about organ donation this week and sign the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Paula is taking action as nationally three people die every day in need of an organ. She is calling on each and every person in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Denby Dale and Kirkburton to talk to their family about organ donation and make it clear if they want to save lives.

Families will always be approached about donation if a loved one can donate their organs. Knowing what you wanted can help your family support their decision at a difficult time.

NHS Blood and Transplant and Kidney Care UK have praised the Dewsbury MP for making this pledge during Organ Donation Week.

More and more families are saying yes to organ donation but currently fewer than 30% of people in the Dewsbury constituency are signed up and there is still an urgent shortage of donors around the country.

After attending an event in Parliament on Wednesday to mark the event Paula said: “We need more people in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Denby Dale and Kirkburton to talk about organ donation to increase the number of lifesaving transplants.

“Only one third of adults in England have told their partner or their family they want to donate, despite 8 out of 10 people telling us they would be willing to donate or would consider it.

“Sadly, many opportunities are lost every year because families don’t know if their loved one wanted to be a donor or not. We can change things and everyone can do their bit to help get people talking.”

Also attending the event Anthony Clarkson, Interim Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We are very grateful to Paula Sherriff for her support during Organ Donation Week.

“Words save lives. Please, tell your family you want to save lives through organ donation, because it could be the difference between life and death for someone else.”

Fiona Loud, Policy Director at Kidney Care UK, said: “Last year more than 400 people died whilst waiting for a transplant so it’s vital that we find ways to help save lives. With around 6,000 people waiting for that life changing call, and 80% of these hoping for a kidney transplant, we are urging people to have a chat with their families and make sure they know how you feel about organ donation.”

Millions of people are already on the NHS Organ Donor Register, join them today and tell your family you want to save lives.

You can register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk