HALF WAY - and a magnificent half million

On behalf of NHS UK Transplant, I'd like to say a huge thank you to all your readers who have pledged to help others to live after their death.

Six months ago, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the NHS Organ Donor Register, we launched a nationwide challenge to encourage a million more people to let their loved ones know their wishes and add their names to the register.

Already 546,574 people have said they want to leave a legacy of life to others by donating organs and tissue for transplantation after their death. More than 12.1m people - 20 per cent of the population - have now signed up to save lives.

We know that many more people are willing to help - but just haven't got round to signing up. Many others already carry a donor card but unless they turn this into a lasting record by joining the register, their wishes may not be fulfilled.

Organ donation can be a difficult subject to discuss with your family and friends, but donor families tell us that they have found some comfort in knowing that the loss of someone they love has given someone else the gift of life.

Last year more than 400 people died waiting for a suitable organ to be donated. Nearly 8,000 people need an organ transplant in the UK.

To find out more call the Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400 or visit www.uktransplant.org.uk

Be remembered. For life.

Penny Hallett

Director of Communications and Public Relations

UK Transplant (NHS)

Bristol

Tel: 0117 975 7575