TV PRESENTER and former England captain Gary Lineker is joining a nationwide campaign to recruit one million more organ donors in the next 12 months.
Lineker has made a personal appeal to Huddersfield people to add their name to the NHS Organ Donor Register, showing they are willing to give the gift of life to others after their death.
The register was launched 10 years ago.
Gary is one of the 11.6m people who have already signed up to donate his organs in the event of his death.
He is now asking 3m motorists who were sent organ donor registration forms with their vehicle tax renewal reminders this month to follow his lead.
More than 5,800 people in the UK are waiting for a transplant that can save or transform their lives.
But fewer than 3,000 transplants can be carried out each year due to the national shortage of donated organs.
Gary said: "Transplants can make an amazing difference, literally giving people a new lease of life.
"Sadly many do not get that chance simply because there are not enough suitable organs available.
"It is not often you get the opportunity to save a life, simply by filling in a form.
"I would appeal to everyone to return the form, putting their name on the NHS Organ Donor Register to ensure their wishes are known."
The NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) was set up 10 years ago to enable people to securely and confidentially record their wishes in regard to organ donation.
Research has shown that 90% of the population supports organ donation but only 19% have got round to joining the register."
To join contact the Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400 or visit www.uktransplant.org.uk
