12 Die On Donor Waiting List in 2014

Twelve people have died this year in West Yorkshire whilst waiting for an organ transplant. That's according to the NHS - who are urging people to give the gift of an organ this Christmas - by joining the donor list.

Jayne Fisher is an NHSBT Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation based in Leeds. She approaches families about organ donation and supports them throughout the process. She said: "The most important part of my job is meeting families in what is probably the worst part of their lives. It is very humbling especially when one considers the selfless act that is organ donation."

Sally Johnson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation, said: "Every year thousands of patients on the waiting list in West Yorkshire and around the country have a Christmas clouded with anxiety and uncertainty. Some severely ill people might spend the whole of Christmas in hospital, just hoping they get a life-saving transplant.

"Quite simply, there is a shortage of donated organs but if more families agreed to donate a loved one’s organs, more people would get the transplants they need. So when you are spending time with your loved ones this Christmas, please take a few minutes to sign the Organ Donor Register, and tell your family you’d be proud to become a donor.

"To join the NHS Organ Donor Register, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 or text SAVE to 62323. Once you’ve signed up tell those closest to you that you want to donate."