NEW figures show that just 45% of families agree to organ donation going ahead if they are unaware of their loved one’s wish to be a donor, but this figure rises to 95% when they know the decision.

Now Cardenden and Kinglassie MP, Lindsay Roy, is highlighting the importance of telling family and friends that you want to help others after you die.

Mr Roy, who is pictured with Fiona Loud, from the British Kidney Patient Association, at the launch of the recent National Transplant Week, said, “Letting your loved ones know you want to be an organ donor is crucial.

“It is devastating for families when someone they love passes away, so it’s not fair to expect them to have to make the decision for you.

“If you talk openly to your family about your decision to donate your organs, it could save them a great deal of stress when you die.

“And if you aren’t already a donor, please give it some serious thought – surely the greatest legacy you can give is the gift of life to others.” On average, three people a day die in need of an organ transplant in the UK because there aren’t enough organs available.

Despite the thousands of life-saving transplant operations which take place every year, around 10,000 people are currently in need of a lifesaving organ transplant.

Sally Johnson, NHS Blood and Transplant’s Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation, added, “We know that families are much less likely to allow organ donation to go ahead if they don’t know it’s what their loved one wanted, so have the conversation and spell it out.

“Tell those closest to you that you want to donate your organs after you die to help some of the 10,000 people in the UK currently in need of a life-changing organ transplant.”