Northampton Town urging supporters to join donor register
Cobblers fans are being urged to blow the whistle on organ transplant waiting lists, as NHS Blood and Transplant teams up with more than 45 sports organisations from top Premiership clubs to grassroots squads, including Northampton Town. The Sign for Life campaign asks supporters across the country to think about organ donation and to be inspired by their club to score another name on the NHS Organ Donor Register as well as tell their family they want to be an organ donor.
Right now there are around 6,500 people waiting for a transplant across the UK, including many in Northamptonshire. On average three people die every day because of the shortage of organs available. This situation needs to be shown the red card.
One organ donor can save or transform the lives of up to nine people. The goal is to get more fans, their families and friends signed by the NHS Organ Donor Register and talking about organ donation. If more families agreed to donate their loved one’s organs, more lives could also be saved.
NHS Blood and Transplant has joined forces with Cobblers fans to ask their 12th man to help relegate deaths in need of a transplant.
Cobblers skipper Marc Richards was among those from the club who met Matthew, a recipient of an organ donation recently, said: “We are really proud to be supporting Sign for Life and we are encouraging our fans and their friends and family to join the Organ Donor Register and talk about organ donation. There are around 6,500 people on the transplant waiting list, so we are asking our supporters to get behind the campaign and commit to saving and improving lives through organ donation.”
Anthony Clarkson, Assistant Director for Organ Donation and Nursing at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We know that for any football fan their support for their club is a lifelong commitment and passion, and one that they will proudly discuss with all their family and friends.
“In partnership with clubs including the Cobblers, we want fans to show the same pride about their decision to be an organ donor and tell everyone that they and their club are passionate about saving lives. Every club will have fans who are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. By joining the NHS Organ Donor Register and sharing your decision you could save lives.
“We are delighted to have so many clubs working with us. Together we can use our national game as a force for good, and help end transplant waiting lists and people dying in need of a transplant.”
Clubs across the country have pledged their support for the campaign, which runs until 9 April.
Fans can join the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk/signforlife or call 0300 123 23 23. Let your family and friends know about your decision to be an organ donor. Join the conversation online, using the hashtag #signforlife