WHILE we all look forward to spending Christmas with loved ones and exchanging gifts, there are 81 people in Dorset desperately hoping for the gift of an organ.

This December, the Dorset Echo is teaming up with NHS Blood and Transplant urge as many people as possible to sign up to the donor register.

Sadly, not all of those waiting will get the transplant they need.

Twenty-eight people in Dorset have died while on the transplant waiting list during the past five years, and their families will be facing Christmas without them.

Seven in Weymouth and Portland and 14 in West Dorset are currently waiting for a transplant.

Dorset Echo editor Toby Granville said: “There is no greater gift than the gift of life – so we are calling on all our readers to make the ultimate difference this Christmas and sign up to be a donor.”

Click here to sign the organ donor register and help others

STAFF at Dorset County Hospital are shining a light on the issue of organ donation this festive season.

The hospital’s organ donation team is asking people to think about the gift of organ donation at this time of year as they switched on their lights on a special Christmas tree.

The team has sponsored a tree in the courtyard near the hospital’s north wing reception to highlight the importance of discussing your wishes around organ donation with your family.

Local supplier Trinity Street Christmas Trees kindly gave a discount on the tree and the lights were sponsored by local firm Knighton Plumbing and Heating.

Dorset County Hospital clinical lead for critical care and organ donation lead Dr Andrew Ball said at this time of giving donating an organ could be the greatest gift of all.

He said: “Every day in the UK, three people die whilst waiting for an organ transplant.

“It is possible that any of us may be in a position to help others after our death through the gift of organ donation.

“We would like you to consider discussing this with your family and loved ones and if appropriate joining the organ donation register.

“Make a choice and make it known.”

The hospital says by donating your organs after you die, you will help save and transform the lives of desperately ill people.

Each donor is precious as only around 5,000 people each year in the UK die in circumstances where they can become a donor.

Anyone who wants to make a difference is urged to join the NHS Organ Donor Register and talk about their donation decision with family and friends.

Letting them know what you’ve decided now makes it much easier for them to support your decision to be a donor.