MORE than 800 people in Thurrock have registered as organ donors since Organ Donation Week in September 2016.
Promotional events, including a street stall in Grays Town Centre, were held to encourage residents to join the register and ‘turn an end, into a beginning’.
Figures from the Organ Donation and Transplantation Activity Report 2015/16 show 95 people received a potentially life-saving or transforming transplant last year in Essex alone.
However, the report also shows that around four out of ten families in the UK did not agree to donate a relative’s organs. When a family says no to donating, someone waiting for a transplant may miss out on their only opportunity for a lifesaving recovery. Sadly in Essex last year, 11 people died before they received an organ they desperately needed.
Portfolio Holder for Education and Health, Cllr James Halden, said: “These are very encouraging figures and show that when we raise the public’s awareness of the register, our residents will join to help others.
“But there is still more to be done and I hope anyone who is thinking about joining the register will speak to our public health team who will answer any questions they have.”
The next event will be held in the foyer of Civic Offices, New Road, Grays on Wednesday 18 January from 11am.
To join the NHS Organ Donor Register visit organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 2323
