Donate Wales

Welcome Announcement by Assembly Member to Health Minister

2009-05-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.nerysevans.org/am-welcomes-presumed-consent-consultation

Plaid AM Nerys Evans this week welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Health and Social Services, Edwina Hart, to launch a 12 week public consultation to find out if a change is needed to the current organ donation consent system. This consultation period will find out if the Welsh Government should move forward and propose a legislative change to the current system. Currently you have to register if you are willing to be an organ donor.

Plaid AM Nerys Evans said:

“I very much welcome this announcement by the Health Minister and it is something I have been campaigning on since my election. There is currently a dire shortage of organs available for transplants; this really is a matter of life and death – in the last year alone 22 people died while waiting for a transplant. When questioned, 90% of people say that they agree with the principle of organ donation, but unfortunately only 27% of people in Wales actually get round to signing up to the organ donor register. With a new opt out system in place many more lives would be saved and I now look forward to hearing the results of the consultation so that we can move forward with this issue.”

Organ donation change?

2009-05-13T00:13:00.000-07:00

May 12 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

WALES has taken another step towards becoming the first UK nation to change the law on organ donation.

Health Minister Edwina Hart yesterday launched a consultation on proposals to introduce an opt-out system in Wales.

Under such a system, which is in use in Belgium and Spain, people who do not want to be considered as organ donors would have to register their decision to opt out.

But relatives would still be consulted about, and have the right to veto, organ donation.

The organ donation system currently relies on people registering as potential donors during their lifetime.

Opt-out systems have been credited with increasing the number of organs which are available for transplant.

There are currently more than 500 patients in Wales waiting for an organ transplant. The majority are waiting for a kidney.

Dr Richard Lewis, Welsh Secretary of the British Medical Association, said: “There is little doubt that such a system would produce a far higher potential donor rate than at present, which is far too low at 22%.

“Experience of other European countries that have already introduced an opt-out scheme have proven this to be the case.

“In previous public opinion surveys, the vast majority of people say they would be willing to donate their organs. Unfortunately, this does not translate into people who actually sign the register.

“This is where the crux of the problem lies. People want to be donors but, for whatever reason, they just do not get round to signing the register.

“Of course, that would not be an issue with an opt-out system, and that is how a change to legislation could make all the difference to anyone left waiting on the organ donor register.”

The 12-week consultation, which ends on August 3, will ask whether Wales should change the law on organ donation and follows a major public debate between October and January.

In a letter launching the formal consultation Mrs Hart said: “It is clear that there is significant support for increasing organ donation rates and a wide range of suggestions were put forward on how this might be achieved, including possible changes to the consent system.

“The public debate confirmed that there is an appetite for change to the organ donation consent system with the feedback suggesting a preference for a soft opt-out system.

“The aim of this further consultation exercise is to find out if the Assembly Government should now move forward and propose legislative change.”

Mrs Hart has also commissioned officials to advise the Assembly Government about what legislative options are available to Wales if it decides to go down this route.

Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “This is an important step forward for those waiting for a transplant and sends a genuine message of hope.

“It is important that members of the public are given the chance to express their views on this issue and engage in the debate, which is why we welcome this latest step by the Health Minister.

“Through the introduction of an opt-out system of organ donation and more donor co-ordinators many more lives can be saved in Wales.”

Andrew RT Davies, the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Health Minister, added: “We welcome any moves that can lead to an increase in the number of people on the organ donor register.

“With one person dying every 11 days in Wales waiting for a transplant, it’s clear more needs to be done to increase the numbers of donors. However the Assembly Government must ensure that any moves to increase the number of organ donors are coupled with moves to add to the number of donor co-ordinators in Welsh hospitals.

“There is no point increasing the number of organs available for transplant if the Welsh health system cannot cope.”

Wales urged to follow Belgium on organ donation

2009-05-13T00:11:00.000-07:00

May 11 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to increase the number of organ donors have urged Wales to follow Belgium’s lead.

The Kidney Wales Foundation believes Belgium’s decision to introduce an opt-out organ donation scheme shows how changing the law can increase the number of donors.

And it has said Wales should heed the Belgian example.

The calls come as the Welsh Assembly Government prepares to publish a range of options for organ donation in Wales.

It is thought that one of these will be the introduction of an opt-out system.

Wales, like the rest of the UK, currently has an opt-in organ donation system – people who want to donate their organs after their death must sign up to the Organ Donor Register.

But there is growing support for a “soft” opt-out system – also known as “presumed consent”.

Under this system people who do not want to donate their organs would have to register but relatives would still be consulted at the time of death.

Roy J Thomas, chair of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said, on the eve of the first anniversary of the Donate Wales campaign: “The brutal reality is that people in Wales waiting for a transplant are dying because of the shortage of donors – statistically, it’s one person every 11 days.

“We stand at a crossroads where the urgency for change has never been greater.

“Kidney Wales has looked carefully at the way in which other countries in Europe have benefited from the introduction of an opt-out system.

“In the 23 years since this system of organ donation was adopted in Belgium, for example, many more hundreds of lives have been saved in comparison to Wales.

“A responsible and factual debate on this health issue is needed.

“A change to an opt-out system of organ donation, coupled with the introduction of more donor co-ordinators in Welsh hospitals, would lead to hundreds more lives in Wales being saved by the gift of organ donation.”

Belgium introduced its “soft” opt-out system in 1986 and increased the number of transplant co-ordinators at the same time.

Just 2% of the population has opted out of organ donation – by registering at their local town hall – and the national rate of organ donation rose by 55% within five years.

The latest figures show that in Belgium there were 291 deceased organ donors in 2007 compared to only 51 in Wales – Belgium has one of the highest rates of donors per million people in the world.

There were 488 kidney transplants carried out in Belgium in 2007 from deceased organ donors. During 2007-08 in Wales there were only 84 kidney transplants using cadaveric organs.

Sara Griffiths, 46, who has had a kidney and a pancreatic transplant and lives in Raglan, Monmouthshire, said: “Being on the waiting list for a transplant is gruelling – you’re alive but you’re not living.

“People on the waiting list need hope, they need to know that something proactive is being done to lessen their burden.

“To hear that an opt-out system is being considered would give people on dialysis something to hope for because with more organs available there is a better chance for a life.”

An Assembly Government spokesman said: “Health Minister Edwina Hart is committed to increasing organ donation in Wales and has taken action to achieve this.

“She has worked closely with Kidney Wales Foundation and funded the Donate Wales: Tell a Loved One campaign which aims to encourage people to sign up to the organ donation register and, importantly, to explain their wishes to relatives.

“In addition, a series of public debates were held across Wales to gauge people’s views on organ donation and the issue of presumed consent.”

A summary report of the responses to the debates is due to be published today, along with a consultation document which sets out some specific options for changes to the organ donation system in Wales.

Opt-out on cards for organ donation in Wales

2009-05-13T00:09:00.000-07:00

Opt-out on cards for organ donation in Wales

May 11 2009 Madeleine Brindley, WalesOnline

WALES will today take another step closer to becoming the first country in the UK to change the law on organ donation.

Health Minister Edwina Hart has launched a consultation on proposals to introduce an opt-out system in Wales.

Under such a system, which is in use in Belgium and Spain, people who do not want to be considered as organ donors would have to register their decision to opt out.

But relatives would still be consulted about organ donation at the time of death.

The organ donation system currently relies on people registering as potential donors during their lifetime.

Opt-out systems have been credited with increasing the number of organs which are available for transplant.

There are currently more than 500 patients in Wales waiting for an organ transplant. The majority are waiting for a kidney.

The 12-week consultation, which ends on August 3, will ask whether Wales should change the law on organ donation and follows a major public debate between October and January.

In a letter launching the formal consultation Mrs Hart said: “The public debate confirmed that there is an appetite for change to the organ donation consent system with the feedback suggesting a preference for a soft opt-out system.

“The aim of this further consultation exercise is to find out if the Assembly Government should now move forward and propose legislative change.”

Mrs Hart has also commissioned officials to advise the Assembly Government about what legislative options are available to Wales if it decides to go down this route.

WalesOnline - News - Cardiff News - Giant kidney running marathon in memory of his friend Garry

2009-04-25T03:03:00.000-07:00

WalesOnline - News - Cardiff News - Giant kidney running marathon in memory of his friend Garry

A CARDIFF runner will join the ranks of colourful costumes on Sunday as he tackles the race dressed as a giant kidney.

Gareth Evans, 30, of St Margaret’s Road, Whitchurch, is running the 26-mile course in aid of Kidney Wales following the death of close friend and running mate Garry Newbould.

A long-term supporter of Kidney Wales, Garry died suddenly in January last year.

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Organ-donor volunteer numbers soar after TV campaign

2009-04-24T02:27:00.000-07:00

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Organ-donor volunteer numbers soar after TV campaign

Organ-donor volunteer numbers soar after TV campaign
Apr 24 2009 by Gregory Tindle, Western Mail

A HARD-HITTING Welsh organ donor appeal which sparked complaints to the Advertising Standard Authority has led to a massive increase in people wanting to become donors.

Following the launch of the Save Sian television campaign by the Kidney Wales Foundation, the numbers joining the Organ Donor Register in Wales has increased by 62%.

In the first month of the charity’s Donate Wales Save Sian campaign, nearly 4,500 people pledged to become donors. This compares to 2,763 people who signed up during the same period from March 12 to April 9 in 2008. The total number of people now registered as organ donors in Wales is now more than 817,000.

Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “It is hugely encouraging to the hundreds of people in Wales waiting for a transplant that the response to the Save Sian advert has been so overwhelming.”

He added: “The advert did fuel a small number of complaints, but these were not upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority who in its adjudication said most viewers would understand the importance of the advert.”

The commercial was funded by a £70,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly Government and depicted a young child on dialysis waiting for a kidney transplant.

The advert centred on a six-year-old girl to highlighted the shortage of donors in Wales. Sian pleads with viewers: “Don’t let me die.”

Long transplant wait for Gwent kidney brothers (From South Wales Argus)

2009-04-15T01:30:00.000-07:00

Long transplant wait for Gwent kidney brothers (From South Wales Argus)

BROTHERS Tony and Alan Morgan are on opposite sides of the organ transplant divide.

While Tony, 68, needs a new kidney to free him from the thrice-weekly demands of the dialysis that keeps him going, 66-year-old Alan continues to benefit from the donor kidney he received more than four years ago.

As a former chauffeur, Pontypool-born Tony, who lives in rural Monmouthshire, near Abergavenny, was used to covering hundreds of miles a week between South Wales and London whilst working for peers and company directors.

But now his biggest journeys are those making up the 180 miles a week he must travel by ambulance car to Cardiff and back for his vital treatment.

Tony is one of almost 500 people in Wales awaiting an organ transplant, though almost a quarter of these are currently suspended from the list, mainly due to illness.

WalesOnline - News - Transplant miracle Allison planning to be doctor herself

2009-04-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

WalesOnline - News - Cardiff News - Transplant miracle Allison planning to be doctor herselfMedical student Allison John is the first person in Britain to have had all her major organs replaced. Greg Tindle discovers just what she’s gone through

AS budding doctor Allison John helps out on the ward rounds most patients would be amazed at just what the medical student has been through.

And when she finally qualifies, no-one but Allison should know more about the importance of a doctor’s bedside manner.

For Allison, 30, is living proof of the importance of organ donation, having received three massive transplants to replace her liver, heart and lungs and finally her kidneys.

All the transplants have proved a success and put her in the record books as the first person in the UK to have all her major organs replaced.

And during all of this Allison has herself helped save a life – donating her heart to a pensioner in Kent.

Despite all this disruption to her life, which started when she was just 17, Allison is now on course to eventually fulfil her dream and start work as a doctor.

Allison had embarked on her medical degree in 2001 and was four years into the five-year course when she had kidney failure and was forced into a three-year break to recover from her final transplant.

It’s only in the past few months that Allison has felt fit enough to resume her studies and is now well on course to complete the final stages of her degree in medicine at Cardiff University.

She said: “I haven’t felt so well for years. Since the kidney transplant I’ve got more energy and got my appetite back and like nothing better than a spicy Mexican meal.”

The kidney transplant carried out two-and-a-half years ago at Cardiff’s University Hospital of Wales was doubly special for Allison as the donor was her dad, David John, who was discovered to be a perfect match for his ailing daughter.

“When I had kidney problems I was losing a lot of weight, I couldn’t eat properly because everything tasted metallic, and I felt sick all the time and unable to drink very much.”

It was while she was convalescing from the transplant that Allison threw herself into voluntary work supporting the charity Kidney Foundation Wales and encouraging more people to sign up for the UK organ donor register.

WalesOnline - News - Health News - Complaints over DONATE WALES’s ‘distressing’ ad rejected

2009-04-09T01:28:00.000-07:00

WalesOnline - News - Health News - Complaints over charity’s ‘distressing’ ad rejected

Complaints over charity’s ‘distressing’ ad rejected
Apr 9 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

COMPLAINTS about the Donate Wales hard-hitting television advert to boost organ donation rates in Wales have been rejected by the Advertising Standards Authority.

A number of people lodged official complaints with the watchdog about the recent Save Sian advert, which depicted a young girl on haemodialysis.

At the end of the advert, which could only be screened after 7.30pm, the young actress said: “Don’t let me die.”

The advert was the latest phase of the Donate Wales campaign which is designed to increase the number of people on the organ donor register in Wales.

But a number of people complained to the Advertising Standards Authority that it was “unduly distressing” and “likely to cause particular distress to people awaiting donated organs, their families, and the families of organ donors”.

One person said their child had been upset by the advert.

It is also understood that the Kidney Wales Foundation, which leads the Donate Wales campaign, received a number of complaints about the advert, which was screened on S4C and ITV last month.

But the charity last night said it was standing by the advert as the ASA rejected the complaints.

The Kidney Wales Foundation said it had also written to everyone who complained to the Cardiff- based charity about the advert.

Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “We welcome the ASA’s decision and thank them for their understanding.

“We did not take the decision to make such a hard-hitting television commercial lightly.

“Wales is in the grips of an organ donor crisis that is costing the life of one person every 11 days waiting for a transplant. That is why we made such a powerful, yet factual, commercial that will lead to more people who want to help joining the organ donor register.”

In its adjudication, the ASA said it sympathised with viewers who had found the Save Sian advert upsetting and understood that the issues it raised were very emotive. It considered that most viewers would understand that the advert was raising awareness for organ donation and would accept that it had to be hard-hitting to convey the importance of that message.

The ASA also noted that the advert was given a post-7.30pm restriction, which prevented it from broadcast before, during or immediately after children’s programmes or early in the evening, which meant it was unlikely to be seen by very young children.

It considered that the advert was unlikely to cause undue distress to most viewers, or particular distress to people awaiting donated organs, their families, or the families of organ donors.

The Kidney Wales Foundation last night said it had worked closely with staff at the University Hospital of Wales’ Children’s Kidney Unit, in Cardiff, to develop and make the advert, in a bid to ensure that its content and subject matter showed the reality for a paediatric patient waiting for a kidney transplant.

The advert, in which Sian was played by a six-year-old actress, was designed to tell people that it takes two minutes to sign the organ donor register.

It was funded by a Welsh Assembly Government grant of £70,000 for the ongoing Donate Wales campaign.

There are currently 495 people in Wales on the waiting list for an organ transplant – 441 people on that list are waiting for a new kidney.

Funds raised in charity Raglan walk (From South Wales Argus)

2009-04-07T17:10:00.000-07:00

Hundreds raised in charity Raglan walk (From South Wales Argus)

WALKERS hoping to raise funds to fight kidney disease received olympian inspiration from a Welsh athlete at the Raglan Walk For Life event yesterday.

Monmouth silver medalist Tom Lucy helped lead more than 100 fundraisers over a one mile route, raising £530.87 in the process.

Event organiser Sara Griffiths, 46, was delight at the amount raised.

She said: “Tom is a very caring person and has been particularly supportive of local charities. The proceeds we’ve raised will go to children who are suffering from kidney disease and kidney failure and help to give them improved levels of care.

“I myself had a kidney transplant 14 years ago and without it I would have died.

"This is the first year I’ve done a Walk For Life but it’s a big thing and I hope it will become an annual event.”

All money raised will go to Kidney Wales.

PM backs organ donor drive | Number10.gov.uk

2009-04-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

PM backs organ donor drive | Number10.gov.uk

The PM has given his support to a 21-year-old student who is trying to set a world record for encouraging people to sign up as organ donors.

Holly Shaw, from Warrington, who received a kidney transplant last year, is trying to get as many people as possible to sign up to the Organ Donor Register on April 7.

Gordon Brown praised the efforts of Ms Shaw and the volunteers that have joined her campaign.

He said:

“I want to give my support and thanks to Holly Shaw and all those involved in her campaign. Joining the organ donation register is a selfless act of kindness which can save many lives and offer new hope for potentially thousands of families across the country.”

Ms Shaw decided to launch the campaign to raise more awareness about the need for organ donors after waiting more than three and a half years to receive her kidney transplant.

There are currently more than 8,000 people in the UK waiting for a transplant and only 26% of the population are on the Organ Donor Register.

Barry fundraisers Walk For Life! (From Barry And District News)

2009-04-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

Barry fundraisers Walk For Life! (From Barry And District News)

Barry fundraisers Walk For Life!
11:20am Thursday 2nd April 2009

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By Elinor Cross »

THE Barry Walk For Life, held on Sunday, raised more than £1,300 for the Kidney Wales Foundation.

A crowd of walkers started at Morrisons Car Park at 11am. They walked to the Knap, through Romilly Park and back via Broad Street, wearing the official Walk For Life T-shirts.

The event was organised again this year by Gaynor Taylor in memory of her son Richard, who died in 2004, and her husband John, who died two years ago shortly before the walk.

Gaynor said: "It was a lovely day for it and the turn-out was good - we even had some fancy dress walkers."

Four members of the Sullivan family dressed as the 118 runners - provoking reactions from passing cars and pedestrians.

After the walk, Gaynor said: "This year, we raised more than £1,300, and another £500 from the associated quiz night, so although we haven't got a final figure yet, I am really pleased."

All walkers received a certificate to celebrate their achievement.

To find out more about the Kidney Wales Foundation, log on to www.kidneywales.com

AM backs organ donation campaign (From Penarth Times)

2009-04-01T00:43:00.000-07:00

AM backs organ donation campaign (From Penarth Times)

CARDIFF South and Penarth Assembly Member Lorraine Barrett has joined calls for people across Wales to talk about organ donation in order to save the lives of hundreds of people.

The Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One Campaign, led by the Kidney Wales Foundation and supported by charities including the British Heart Foundation Wales, encourages friends and families to talk about this issue.

Ms Barrett said: "There are many issues that we love to talk about, such as the rugby – yet there are some topics we are more hesitant to discuss.

"One such topic is the donation of our organs when we die."

As the law stands, for organs to be donated the deceased must have signed the organ donation register or the family must give consent for the organs to be taken upon their relative’s death – there can be no presumption of permission.

The principal problem in finding donors is that, in many cases, the family of the deceased do not know that their loved one would have wanted their organs to be donated for transplant.

It is because of the potential for saving lives and the ease with which this can be achieved that the campaign urges people to talk about whether or not they would like their organs to be donated.

There are several ways to make organ donation easier, from talking about it with relatives and friends or by signing up directly to the donation register online (www.donatewales.org) or by telephoning 0845 60 60 400.

WalesOnline - News - Health News - Event raises thousands for Kidney Wales Foundation

2009-03-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

Facebook | WalesOnline - News - Health News - Event raises thousands for Kidney Wales Foundation

IT WAS a sunny walk in the park for hundreds of families, friends and children who turned up to lend their support to one of Cardiff’s biggest fundraising events.

Olympic swimming hero David Davies and Commonwealth boxing champion Nathan Cleverley yesterday joined the Kidney Wales Foundation’s Walk for Life.

The 1.9-mile walk will this year help children who have kidney disease and kidney failure.

The event, which hopes to raise £80,000, was started with kidney patients by Tory leader David Cameron, who was in the city for the Welsh Conservatives’ party conference.

Robert Day, from Caerphilly, whose six-year-old daughter Ella has undergone a kidney transplant, said: “Ella and the rest of the children had a really good time – we loved the face painting and the walk around Bute Park. It was great to meet all the celebrities like Nathan Cleverley and David Davies – they were really good with the children and made the event a special day.”

And Sarra Elgan, a Kidney Wales Foundation ambassador, said: “It was great to see so many people attend such a worthwhile event. It was particularly lovely to meet all the children from the children’s kidney unit at the University Hospital of Wales – this is what the walk was all about, to help these children and give them a better quality of life.”

The 1.9-mile route looped through city parkland before ending with a celebration lap of the Cardiff Arms Park.

Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “Once again we are grateful to everyone who came to show their support for the children affected by kidney failure and disease. There was a fantastic turnout and, this year, we hope to raise more than £80,000 to fund projects to help these children.”

And Nathan Cleverley, Commonwealth light-heavyweight boxing champion, said: “It is very important to raise awareness about kidney disease and I was glad that I was able to do my bit by taking part in this very enjoyable event.”

Among the projects to benefit from the Walk for Life money, will be the complete refurbishment of the children’s kidney unit in Cardiff, which cares for children from across Wales.

Send us your Walk for Life pictures (From South Wales Argus)

2009-03-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

Send us your Walk for Life pictures (From South Wales Argus)

ARE you doing the Walk for Life this weekend? There are nine walks taking place across Gwent in aid of the Kidney Wales Foundation and we want to see your pictures of the big day, so wherever you are walking, send them in.

Click the link below to e-mail us, or send them via mobile on 80360 with the message ARGUS NEWS. To speak to a reporter, call newsdesk on 01633 777226.

Health News - Olympic medallist David Davies ,David Cameron and Sarra Elgan join Kidney Wales Foundation’s Walk for Life 2009

2009-03-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

WalesOnline - News - Health News - Olympic medallist David Davies, David Cameron and Sarra Elgan join Kidney Wales Foundation’s Walk for Life 2009

OLYMPIC silver medallist David Davies took part in one of Wales’ biggest fundraising events today with Opposition Leader David Cameron and Sarra Elgan who was with husband Simon Easterby.

58 Walks took place across Wales.

The OLYMPIC silver medallist swimmer was among hundreds of people raising funds for children with kidney problems in Cardiff.

The Rt Hon. David Cameron chatted to the children from the Children's Kidney Unit.

The event, which started at the Welsh Institute of Sport, in Sophia Gardens included a lap of Cardiff Arms Park.

The 1.9 mile walk, sponsored by Specsavers,raised vital funds to help transform the lives of children with kidney disease and kidney failure. The money raised will also refurbish the children’s kidney unit at the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff.

Davies, Kidney Wales Foundation’s newest supporter, who won silver in the 10K open swim at the Beijing Olympics, said: “The chance to help change the lives of children with kidney failure and walk around the Arms Park with hundreds of supporters was great fun and you did not need an Olympic medal to take part.”

The charity is hoping to raise £100,000 to fund a number of projects across Wales.

News - You survive on dialysis but after a transplant you live, says Janet

2009-03-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

WalesOnline - News - Health News - You survive on dialysis but after a transplant you live, says Janet

A hard-hitting television advert which depicts the life-or-death race hundreds of people in Wales face to find an organ donor was broadcast last week. Health Editor Madeleine Brindley spoke to two women about their experiences of organ donation as the Save Sian campaign was launched

JANET EVANS started making up for lost time on November 25, 2007 – the date she received her second kidney transplant after spending the best part of a decade on dialysis.

Her first transplant, which followed two-and-a-half years of dialysis failed within eight months, forcing her onto the gruelling regime of haemodialysis for a further five years.

The 51-year-old is conscious that she hasn’t climbed a mountain or done anything “spectacular” after undergoing the transplant, but the new kidney has allowed her to restart her life and focus on caring for her family.

County residents urged to become organ donors (From Tivyside Advertiser)

2009-03-15T03:07:00.000-07:00

County residents urged to become organ donors (From Tivyside Advertiser)

County residents urged to become organ donors

Local politicians have marked World Kidney Day by pledging their support to the Donate Wales Campaign. Adam Price MP and Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM have given their support to the donation drive which has been funded to the tune of £70,000 by the One Wales Government. The campaign carries a hard hitting message designed to encourage more people to register as organ donors.

Adam Price MP said: "There are hundreds of people in Wales in need of a transparent. Many people in Carmarthenshire are suffering as a result of a lack of donors. World Kidney Day is the ideal time to think about registering to be a donor and giving the gift of life to someone."

Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM added: "Figures show 90% of people in Wales support organ donation yet only 27% are actually registered donors. The donate Wales campaign backed by the One Wales Government has had a very positive impact but more still needs to be done. We are urging people throughout the county to take that step and become a registered donor."

Barry mum's fundraising appeal (From Barry And District News)

2009-03-13T02:12:00.000-07:00

Barry mum's fundraising appeal (From Barry And District News)

Barry mum's fundraising appeal and register as a donor plea

By Elinor Cross

A BARRY mum who allowed the donation of organs and tissue from her late son and husband, is gearing up for two events this month – to raise money for Kidney Wales.

After the death of their son Richard in 2004 in a skateboarding accident, Gaynor Taylor and her late husband John were told that he carried an organ donor card – which, they said, took the pressure off making the decision of whether or not to donate his organs.

Since then Gaynor has supported Kidney Wales through fundraising walks, as the charity played a big part in setting up the Organ Donor Card.

Gaynor said: "The important thing is that more people sign the register.

"We had no idea Richard carried a card, but it was a comfort for us because we were following his wishes after he died.

"It is a lot easier when a decision has been made. We were asked out of courtesy, but really he had made the decision. That is why we are raising money – it makes such a big difference."

HARD-HITTING TELEVISION COMMERCIAL AIMS TO END ORGAN DONOR CRISIS IN WALES

2009-03-12T03:10:00.000-07:00

HARD-HITTING TELEVISION COMMERCIAL AIMS TO END ORGAN DONOR CRISIS IN WALES

A hard-hitting television commercial graphically depicting a young child on dialysis waiting for a kidney transplant will be premiered on Welsh TV screens tonight (Thursday, March 12) urging viewers to join the Organ Donor Register.

The Save Sian Campaign has been launched on World Kidney Day as part of the Kidney Wales Foundation’s Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One organ donation drive. It has been funded by a £70,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly Government as well as additional funding from Kidney Wales.

The advert, which can only be screened after 7.30pm because of its content, centres on a six-year-old girl waiting for a kidney transplant and highlights how, because of the desperate shortage of donors in Wales, Sian faces an agonising wait before getting that second chance a transplant would give her.

It urges viewers to Help Save Sian – played by a child actress – by joining the Register and explains how it takes just two minutes to sign-up. In the closing scene Sian pleads with viewers: “Don’t let me die.” The advert will run (on ITV & S4C) until March 28.

Edwina Hart, Minister for Health and Social Services, said: “Currently, nearly 500 people in Wales are listed for a transplant – the majority waiting for a new kidney. Yet because of the organ donor crisis, statistically one person dies every 11 days waiting for a transplant in the principality – the equivalent of more than 150 people in the last five years.

“We are jointly funding this Campaign and are committed to improved services as well as encouraging more of us to join the Organ Donation Register. It is the responsibility of all of us to support the Campaign.”

Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “We are in the grips of an organ donor crisis in Wales and the urgency upon more people joining the Organ Donor Register has never been greater. In Scotland 32% of people have joined the Register, yet in Wales just 27% have made that life-saving pledge.

“This isn’t because people don’t want to help; we know 90% of people in Wales support organ donation. It is because not enough have acted on their good intentions and signed-up.

“The brutal reality is that people in Wales are dying as a result and unless more people take that all important vital step of signing-up and telling their loved ones about their wishes then more and more people will needlessly die waiting for a transplant.”

The Donate Wales campaign was launched by Kidney Wales last May and since then more than 34,000 people have joined the Organ Donor Register.

To join the Organ Donor Register call 0845 60 60 400, text GIVE to 64118 or visit donatewales.org.

Bydd hysbyseb deledu rymus sy’n rhoi darlun graffig o blentyn ifanc ar ddialysis yn aros am drawsblaniad aren yn cael ei dangos am y tro cyntaf ar sgriniau teledu yng Nghymru heno (dydd Iau, 12 Mawrth) yn annog gwylwyr i ymuno â’r Gofrestr Rhoddwyr Organau.

Lansiwyd Ymgyrch Achub Siân ar Ddiwrnod yr Aren fel rhan o ymgyrch Sefydliad Aren Cymru ar gyfer cyfrannu organau, Rhodd Cymru – Dywed wrth Rywun Agos. Mae wedi cael ei hariannu gan grant £70,000 gan Lywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru yn ogystal â chyllid ychwanegol gan Sefydliad Aren Cymru.

Mae’r hysbyseb, y gellir ond ei gweld ar y teledu ar ôl 7.30pm oherwydd ei chynnwys, yn canolbwyntio ar ferch chwech oed sy’n aros am drawsblaniad aren, ac mae’n amlygu’r modd y mae Siân, oherwydd prinder difrifol o roddwyr yng Nghymru, yn wynebu arhosiad ingol cyn cael yr ail gyfle hwnnw y byddai trawsblaniad yn ei roi iddi.

Mae’n annog gwylwyr i Helpu Achub Siân – sy’n cael ei hactio gan blentyn – trwy ymuno â’r Gofrestr ac yn esbonio’r ffaith mai dim ond dwy funud y mae’n cymryd i ymuno. Yn yr olygfa derfynol, mae Siân yn pledio â’r gwylwyr: “Peidiwch â gadael i mi farw.” Bydd yr hysbyseb yn cael ei dangos (ar ITV ac S4C) tan 28 Mawrth.

Dywedodd Edwina Hart, y Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol: “Ar hyn o bryd, mae bron i 500 o bobl yng Nghymru wedi’u rhestru ar gyfer cael trawsblaniad – a’r mwyafrif yn aros am aren newydd. Ond eto, oherwydd yr argyfwng gyda rhoddwyr organau, yn ystadegol mae un person yn marw bob 11 diwrnod yn aros am drawsblaniad – mae hyn gyfwerth â thros 150 o bobl yn y pum mlynedd diwethaf.

“Rydym ni’n ariannu’r Ymgyrch hon ar y cyd ac wedi ymrwymo i wasanaethau gwell yn ogystal ag annog mwy ohonom ni i ymuno â’r Gofrestr Rhoddwyr Organau. Cyfrifoldeb pob un ohonom ni yw cefnogi’r Ymgyrch.”

Dywedodd Roy J. Thomas, Cadeirydd Sefydliad Aren Cymru: “Rydym ni’n wynebu argyfwng o ran rhoi organau yng Nghymru, a dydy’r brys i gael mwy o bobl i ymuno â’r Gofrestr Rhoddwyr Organau erioed wedi bod yn fwy. Yn yr Alban, mae 32% o bobl wedi ymuno â’r Gofrestr, ond eto yng Nghymru, dim ond 27% sydd wedi gwneud yr adduned honno i achub bywyd.

“Dydy hyn ddim oherwydd nad yw pobl eisiau helpu; rydym ni’n gwybod bod 90% o bobl yng Nghymru yn cefnogi rhoi organau. Mae hyn oherwydd nad oes digon o bobl wedi gweithredu eu bwriadau da ac ymuno.

“Y gwirionedd creulon yw bod pobl yng Nghymru yn marw o ganlyniad ac oni bai bod mwy o bobl yn cymryd y cam holl bwysig hwnnw o ymuno a dweud wrth y rhai maen nhw’n eu caru am eu dymuniadau, yna bydd mwy a mwy o bobl yn marw’n ddiangen wrth aros am drawsblaniad.”

For more information or case studies contact Noel Davies, Head of Development, Communications and Events, on 029 2034 3940.

Notes to editors
1. Currently 494 people in Wales are listed for a transplant. This breaksdown to: 443 waiting for a kidney; three for a pancreas; 18 for a kidney/pancreas; five for a heart; 14 for lungs; and 11 for a liver.
2. In the last five years 768 peoples’ lives in Wales have been transformed by the gift of a donor through an organ donor transplant. A further 584 have been given the gift of sight by either a cornea or sclera transplant.
3. Around 10,000 people in Wales are now suffering from some form of chronic kidney disease.
4. With Kidney Wales’ support, the Welsh Assembly Government is steering forward improvements to renal care in Wales including the new renal dialysis unit at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.

5. A kidney transplant remains the best long-term hope for those suffering with kidney failure. The long-term survival of a kidney transplant continues to improve with 92% of kidney grafts from cadaveric donors and 95% of those from living donors still functioning one-year after transplant.
6. The Kidney Wales Foundation is one of Wales’ oldest and biggest charities. In the 1970s it launched the Kidney Donor Card and a decade established Lifeline Wales – the precursor to today’s Organ Donor Register.

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Shocking TV advert is launched to promote organ donation in Wales

2009-03-12T02:27:00.000-07:00

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Shocking TV advert is launched to promote organ donation in Wales

Shocking TV advert is launched to promote organ donation in Wales
Mar 12 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

A SIX-YEAR-OLD girl will today plead with the Welsh public “not to let her die”.

A new hard-hitting television advert featuring Sian’s race against time is the latest phase of the Donate Wales campaign to boost the numbers of organs available for transplant.

It has been developed as new figures show that, statistically, one person will die every 11 days in Wales while waiting for an organ transplant.

The 30-second advert, which will be broadcast throughout March, will show Sian hooked up to a haemodialysis machine in hospital.

At the end of the commercial, which can only be screened after 7.30pm because of its hard-hitting nature, Sian – who is played by an actress – says: “Don’t let me die”.

WalesOnline - News - Health News - Olympic medallist joins Walk for Life

2009-03-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

WalesOnline - News - Health News - Olympic medallist joins Walk for Life

Olympic medallist joins Walk for Life
Mar 9 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

OLYMPIC silver medallist David Davies will take part in one of Wales’ biggest fundraising events later this month.

The swimmer will join thousands of other people taking part in the Kidney Wales Foundation’s Specsavers Cardiff Walk for Life, which will include a lap of the historic Arms Park.

The walk is one of 50 which will take place across Wales on March 29 to raise money to help children suffering from kidney failure and disease.

Health Minister, Edwina Hart, to visit Withybush Hospital's new renal dialysis unit (From Western Telegraph)

2009-03-05T23:24:00.000-08:00

Health Minister, Edwina Hart, to visit Withybush Hospital's new renal dialysis unit (From Western Telegraph)

Health Minister, Edwina Hart, to visit Withybush Hospital's new renal dialysis unit
9:53am Thursday 5th March 2009

Comments (0) Have your say »

Welsh Health Minister, Edwina Hart, will today (Thursday) visit a new renal dialysis unit at Withybush Hospital and meet patients and staff benefiting from the new local facilities.

The unit opened in December last year with the ability to treat 12 patients. Since then a dozen more stations have opened and 24 patients can be accommodated .

Facebook | BBC NEWS | Health | Donors up but organs still short

2009-02-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

Facebook | BBC NEWS | Health | Donors up but organs still short

The number of people on the organ donor register in the UK has hit a record 16 million, meeting a government target of doubling 2001's numbers a year early.

However, the gap between supply and demand for organs is still growing and 1,000 people are expected to die this year while waiting for a transplant.

North Wales father’s transplant bid to give ailing daughter a better life - Daily Post North Wales

2009-01-02T02:42:00.000-08:00

North Wales father’s transplant bid to give ailing daughter a better life - Daily Post North Wales

A TERMINALLY ill teenage girl is facing an agonising wait to see whether she will be able to receive her father’s kidney.

Jessica Law, 14, has undergone 15 major operations since she was born.

Her dad John is having tests to see whether he can donate one of his kidneys for a transplant, which will give her a much better quality of life.

Her mum Vona said: “In the meantime, Jessica is going on the waiting list for a kidney from a deceased donor as well, so I would just like to emphasise how important it is for people to carry donor cards.

“We’ve found out in the last few weeks that Jessica has deteriorated even further, and it may mean they have to start dialysis before she can have the transplant, because her blood levels are so unstable.

“The kidney side of it has to take precedence because she is so sick from that, but she’s still got a lot of medical problems that need addressing.

“Jessica has other complications that will require surgical intervention over the next few years which add to the complications of her condition.

“So far, she’s had 15 major operations, everything from a three-hour operation to a 17-hour operation, one which was done in Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Lostprophets Ian Watkins on why he’ll be venturing out on New Year’s Eve - WalesOnline

2008-12-29T05:28:00.000-08:00

Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins on why he’ll be venturing out on New Year’s Eve - WalesOnline click for full story

“I hate going out on New Year’s Eve,” says Watkins. “It’s always such a hassle, stupid prices to get in anywhere, drink prices through the roof, queuing.

“The reason I wanted to do a show on New Year’s Eve was to give like-minded people an alternative to going to a club packed full of clowns. I thought it would be cool to be able to go somewhere that wasn’t expensive and where you could be surrounded by all your friends, good music and good vibes because usually I just stay in with my mam and watch TV.”

In fact, Watkins’ mam Elaine is the real reason why this charity gig, which takes place at Cardiff University on Wednesday night, is raising money and awareness for Kidney Wales Foundation.

She had a kidney transplant in 2007, which prompted her son to become a Kidney Wales ambassador, fronting a campaign to boost donor numbers among young people.

Businessman Tim donates a kidney to save a complete stranger | Mail Online

2008-12-29T03:56:00.000-08:00

Businessman Tim donates a kidney to save a complete stranger | Mail Online

Businessman Tim donates a kidney to save a complete stranger
By Mail On Sunday Reporter
Last updated at 11:34 PM on 27th December 2008

A businessman has saved the life of a stranger by giving her one of his kidneys.
Tim Rowles, 46, from Leiston, Suffolk, heard of 43-year-old Wendy Adams’s desperate need for a transplant as her one kidney was failing – and realised they shared the same rare O-negative blood group.
Tests revealed that he had the right tissue match to be a donor for the clothing designer, who grew up in nearby Martlesham, before emigrating to Holland.

The small matter of a kidney donation - Times Online

2008-12-25T02:53:00.000-08:00

Cassandra: the small matter of a kidney donation - Times Online click for full article in The Times

I’ve been reading a lot lately about kidney problems. Every other week it seems there’s a story about someone with kidney disease. Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers had some trouble but now it seems he’s OK. There was also a story about two best friends – one who needed a kidney, the other who donated. That’s got to put a strain on a friendship.

Calendar boys bring new hope

2008-12-24T01:10:00.000-08:00

Calendar boys bring new hope

AMMANFORD husband Chris Dark won’t have to worry about finding wife Melanie the perfect Christmas present this year — he’s already given her the gift of life.
Thanks to pioneering technology, the fit-as-a-fiddle 46-year-old was able to donate one of his kidneys to his seriously ill wife.
Chris runs the Ammanford and District Kidney Wales Committee with Melanie, also 46, who was diagnosed with kidney failure when she was just 17.
A successful kidney transplant in her 20s gave her a new life, but when it began to fail after 13 years she was placed back on the waiting list for more than a decade.

Watkins is a Prophet for charity - WalesOnline

2008-12-21T06:54:00.000-08:00

Watkins is a Prophet for charity - WalesOnline

Ian Watkins headlines Kidney Wales Foundation’s New Year’s Eve Charity show at Cardiff University on January 31. Tickets cost £20 from 0871 2200 260.

But 2009 will be another big year for Lostprophets as they prepare to release their fourth album, It’s Not The End Of The World But I Can See It From Here, with the first new material expected in the spring.

“There won’t be any new material in the NYE gig because the full band won’t be there with me,” he says.

Having planned to release a new CD in 2007 the band scrapped virtually their entire slate of songs because they were not satisfied with the quality the Los Angeles recording sessions had produced.

“We just weren’t happy where the producer was taking it, and there came a point where we had to step back and say, ‘OK this doesn’t feel right’,” says Watkins, who says he was never worried the band had hit a fallow point creatively.

“That’s something we have never worried about,” he says, “and so far, thankfully we have remained prolific. We don’t stop writing songs.”

Part of that writing team was the band’s former drummer Ilan Rubin. The American replaced original drummer Mike Chiplin in 2005 and while the band were disappointed to lose Rubin to Trent Reznor’s band Nine Inch Nails, Watkins said it wasn’t a surprise.

“He was an amazing drummer, but he was also always more focused on doing his own thing, so it wasn’t much of a surprise,” he says.

“He’s a career and goal-orientated guy – he sees what he wants and he goes for it – but Trent’s gonna be bummed when Paul McCartney calls.”

Ian Watkins headlines Kidney Wales Foundation’s New Year’s Eve Charity show at Cardiff University on January 31. Tickets cost £20 from 0871 2200 260.

Kidney op man is on the crest of a wave - WalesOnline

2008-12-19T03:11:00.000-08:00

Kidney op man is on the crest of a wave - WalesOnline

FOR the first time in nearly five years Mark Schofield is looking forward to a normal Christmas with his family and friends, able to eat what he wants and have a festive tipple with his neighbours.

And the cause for his celebration is that after a long wait Mark has received a kidney transplant, an operation that released him from the shackles of his daily dialysis routine.

The father of two and former UK surfing champion said one of the highlights of his recovery in the past 10 months was the first time he got back on his surfboard, with his 17-year-old son George next to him on the waves during a family holiday in Ireland.

Mark, 45, had been on dialysis every day for three hours since December 19, 2003, when his first kidney transplant, resulting from a donation by his mum Jean, failed after 13 years. Forced back on to dialysis, Mark waited for a new opportunity and a second chance with another transplant but as the years rolled by he feared that might never happen.

“I was giving myself dialysis at home and that affected the whole family, three hours every day, which means 730 injections a year, to clean my blood. Looking back, I started to go downhill.”

Mark became so desperate he embarked on a “transplant tourism” trip to the Philippines last year to try to buy a kidney from a live donor but the trip failed when no match was found.

He now has nothing but praise for the NHS, which came up with a kidney transplant match for him in February this year.

Gold Olympian Nicole Cooke and Only Men Aloud ! Tim Rhys Evans join Kidney Wales

2008-12-16T12:19:00.000-08:00

Nicole Cooke joins Kidney Wales Foundation
Dec 16 2008 by Gerry Holt, South Wales Echo

OLYMPIC and world women’s cycling champion Nicole Cooke has been appointed a Kidney Wales Foundation patron.

And Tim Rhys-Evans, the founder of winning male voice choir Only Men Aloud!, will also take up the same role with the Cardiff-based charity.

The pair join Kidney Wales’ longstanding patrons Katherine Jenkins, Max Boyce and Gerald Davies.

Cooke said: “I’m delighted to be one of Kidney Wales’ newest patrons. Over the years I have had a close association with the charity so it is a great honor to accept this new role.

“I know first-hand how important the charity’s work is and how invaluable the partnerships it creates are too.

“I’m looking forward to becoming more closely involved with Kidney Wales in 2009.”

And Rhys-Evans, who formed Only Men Aloud! eight years ago, said: “I’m very proud to be a new patron of the Kidney Wales Foundation. Only Men Aloud! performed at the charity’s annual Reflections carol concert recently and it was wonderful to see so many people come along to show their support for Kidney Wales.”

Raj Aggarwal, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation’s trustees, said: “Nicole and Tim have done so much already for Kidney Wales so we are delighted to welcome them as our newest patrons to our growing list of celebrity supporters.

“Both have big plans in their new roles and we look forward to working with them in 2009 to the benefit of kidney patients and their families in Wales.”

What the NHS can learn from organ donors

2008-12-07T03:24:00.000-08:00

FT.com / weekend columnists / Margaret McCartney - What the NHS can learn from organ donors
click for full article

What the NHS can learn from organ donors
By Margaret McCartney

Published: December 6 2008 00:27 | Last updated: December 6 2008 00:27

As an unschooled observer of the money markets, I have been struggling in recent months to understand what anything is actually worth. In healthcare, there is a similar problem, though it makes for rather less exciting headlines. All NHS procedures have to be costed to the last penny, and reported on in “completed care episodes”. But just like financiers, healthcare professionals can’t put an exact price on everything.

Blood, for example, is a commodity given free of charge by people willing to sacrifice time and comfort in order to make a significant difference to someone else. Bone marrow is another “gift”, donated by those who know they will not be repaid financially for being inconvenienced. And then there are the gifts given in the aftermath of death: corneas, kidneys, livers, skin, hearts… all capable of transforming a stranger’s life.

ALOUD REFLECTIONS AT ST JOHN'S CARDIFF 9 DECEMBER 2008

2008-12-07T02:34:00.000-08:00

A service of relections will take place on 9 of December at St John the Baptist Church Cardiff with festive readings from Catrin Finch, Rhun ap Iorweth, Alex Jones and many more.

The BBC Last Choir Standing winners Only Men Aloud! will provide a festive mood joined by Cor Aelwyd CF1 and children from Ysgol Berllan Deg.

Chair of the Donate Wales campaign Roy J Thomas said " This is an opportunity to thank everyone for an excellent year. The Donate Wales Campaign has proved a great success and the Kidney Wales Foundation is blessed with great support.We will mark the year as we always do with spiritual gratitude."

Mr Thomas added "The evening has been organised by Rhian Williams who has selflessly given a great deal of time and thought to the Service.We are all looking forward to it."

The event was a sell out and demand for tickets exceeded supply within a week.

NHS Wales News - Health Minister opens new kidney dialysis unit in Cardiff

2008-11-22T00:40:00.000-08:00

NHS Wales News - Health Minister opens new kidney dialysis unit in Cardiff

A new kidney dialysis unit, which will increase capacity and improve care for patients, will be officially opened by Health Minister Edwina Hart today [Thursday, 20 November] in Cardiff.

Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation and Donate Wales campaign, said: "We are fully committed along with the Welsh Assembly Government, to world class renal facilities such as the new dialysis unit in Cardiff across the whole of Wales. Transplant and dialysis treatments in Wales are improving under this government and we are working in partnership to ensure this continues and that more kidney patients and their families in Wales benefit."

BBC NEWS | Health | Presumed consent 'not ruled out'

2008-11-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

BBC NEWS | Health | Presumed consent 'not ruled out'

Gordon Brown is not ruling out a change in the law on organ donation even though a panel of experts has rejected the idea of "presumed consent".

Donor 'opt-out' proposal still available in Wales

2008-11-17T00:36:00.000-08:00

Health ministers in Wales and Scotland have suggested they are sympathetic to arguments in favour of presumed consent.

Dr Tony Calland, chairman of the BMA's Medical Ethics Committee said: "Evidence from other countries has shown that a system of presumed consent can improve the shortage of donor organs and can save lives.

"The BMA supports a 'soft' system of presumed consent, where individuals who do not want to donate their organs have a formal mechanism for registering that objection and where families are consulted to identify any unregistered objection."

Kidney Wales Foundation agrees with the BMA.

Roy J Thomas said "This is an ethical issue and with safeguards Wales can move forward and save lives.More than 1,000 die each year in the UK. A system of consent based on the families wishes is supported in Wales but more of us need to discuss this important issue."

BBC NEWS | Health | English Donor 'opt-out' proposal rejected

2008-11-17T00:23:00.000-08:00

BBC NEWS | Health | Donor 'opt-out' proposal rejected

The UK Organ Donation Taskforce - a government advisory committee - said there was little evidence the move would increase availability of organs.

The prime minister and the chief medical officer are among supporters of a "presumed consent" system.

Survivor Allison wins Cosmo award - WalesOnline

2008-11-16T11:53:00.000-08:00

Survivor Allison wins Cosmo award - WalesOnline

A CYSTIC fibrosis sufferer from South Wales who had four organ transplants has won Cosmopolitan’s award for the Ultimate Survivor.

Allison John, of Roath, Cardiff, collected the prize at The Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards 2008.

Allison is the first person in the UK to survive four organ transplants.

She is now training to be a doctor and devotes her spare time to charity. In addition to raising £100,000 to build a local transplant unit, Allison is working with the Kidney Wales Foundation to raise awareness for the organ donor register

WALES may go it alone BIG ETHICAL DEBATE - WalesOnline

2008-11-15T01:49:00.000-08:00

Wales organ transplants row - WalesOnline

Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation and the Donate Wales campaign, said: “It is not a surprise to see that the donor task force in England has rejected the introduction of presumed consent there. We have been aware that the task force has been against a law change for some time.

“Our understanding is that the English task force has advised English politicians about image. The task force has taken into account the image of Whitehall health ministers and not the evidence before it. This is a big moral debate. If government is truly looking at a selfless society, now is the chance. Patients waiting are dying.”

Organ donation is a non-devolved issue and although no decision has been made about presumed consent in Wales, Health Minister Edwina Hart has not ruled out seeking a legislative competence order on the issue.

A series of debates are being held around Wales to gauge public opinion towards such a system.

Brave Danni met up with kind-hearted music hero - WalesOnline

2008-11-15T01:35:00.000-08:00

Brave Danni met up with kind-hearted music hero - WalesOnline

DANNI Tilley rubbed shoulders with new rock royalty as she met Lostprohets lead singer Ian Watkins.

The 14-year-old shared a cuddle and a chat at the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff, as the rock star was named the Wales Kidney Foundation’s ambassador for young people.

Fan Danni, from Waenheulog, Nantyglo, is hoping that her dad David will be able to give her his kidney in the new year.

The teenager suffered kidney failure in 2007 and has been undergoing 10-hour nightly dialysis sessions since. She was put on the transplant waiting list in September.

Lostprophets New Year's Eve gig tickets go on sale - WalesOnline

2008-11-15T01:22:00.000-08:00

Lostprophets New Year's Eve gig tickets go on sale - WalesOnline

TICKETS for a New Year’s Eve fundraising gig organised by Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins will go on sale tomorrow.

The concert, in aid of the Kidney Wales Foundation, will feature a host of Welsh bands, including The Blackout, Kids in Glass Houses, and Attack! Attack!.

Watkins, who has become the charity’s ambassador for young people, asked the bands to perform and will use the gig at Cardiff University’s students’ union’s great hall, to raise awareness of organ donation.

Transplant boy inspires Cardiff school reunion - WalesOnline

2008-11-03T08:09:00.000-08:00

Transplant boy inspires Cardiff school reunion - WalesOnline

Nov 3 2008 by Katie Norman, South Wales Echo

Transplant boy inspires Cardiff school reunion

A BRAVE eight-year-old boy has inspired his mum and her friends to reunite their old school pals for charity.

Sharon Breeze, 40, from Llanedeyrn, Cardiff, is organising a reunion for people who attended Cardiff’s Lady Mary High School between 1976 and 1985, to raise money for the Kidney Wales Foundation.

Dan runs in aid of Kidney Wales (From Western Telegraph)

2008-11-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

Dan runs in aid of Kidney Wales (From Western Telegraph)

Dan runs in aid of Kidney Wales
10:00am Saturday 1st November 2008

Dan Cherry successfully completed the Cardiff half marathon recently.

This is the first leg in his build-up towards running the London marathon next spring and raising further vital funds for Kidney Wales who have been Glamorgan’s official charity for 2008.

There is a very special and personal reason why the 28-year-old, who is now a vital member of Glamorgan Cricket’s operations department, supports the charity.

Lostprophets singer on why he is a kidney donor champion - WalesOnline

2008-10-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

click for full story

Lostprophets singer on why he is a kidney donor champion - WalesOnline

LOSTPROPHETS lead singer Ian Watkins has spoken about how he was torn between caring for his mum and the band’s success.

The 31-year-old told the Echo how his mum Elaine Davies’ kidneys failed just as the rockers were starting to find success.

And, as Ian yesterday took up the role of the Kidney Wales Foundation’s new ambassador for young people, he revealed he wants a donor card tattooed on his body as he pledged to raise awareness of organ donation.

BBC NEWS | Wales | Patient given pioneering lung op

2008-10-30T04:38:00.000-07:00

BBC NEWS | Wales | Patient given pioneering lung op

A 55-year-old man has received a life-saving transplant using lungs from a donor which were made to breathe outside the body, it has been revealed.

Kenneth Collins from Chirk, Wrexham, had the procedure during a 14-hour operation at the University Hospital of South Manchester seven weeks ago.

The lungs were kept healthy for a longer period than they would normally survive outside the body.

Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins to stage show for Kidney Wales Foundation - WalesOnline

2008-10-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins to stage show for Kidney Wales Foundation - WalesOnlineMUM’S the word when it comes to one branch of charity work for Pontypridd’s Lostprophets lead singer Ian Watkins.

The 31-year-old is headlining a special one-off concert on New Year’s Eve to support the work of the Kidney Wales Foundation, after being named their ambassador for young people.

Watkins will urge fans at the concert to sign the NHS Organ Donor Register in a bid to increase the numbers of organs available for transplant.

He became involved with the charity because his mum had a kidney transplant last year. Ian said “I’m really proud to be the charity’s new ambassador for young people and will be working with them on the Donate Wales campaign. We can continue to get more young people to sign-up.”

In one of his first official roles as ambassador Ian will meet patients at the Children’s Kidney Centre in Cardiff, including 14-year-old Lostprophets fan Danni Tilley, who is waiting for a kidney transplant.

He will also meet Health Minister Edwina Hart.

Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation and Donate Wales campaign, said: “Ian is a very talented individual and we are delighted that he is our new ambassador for young people as he can reach out to Wales’ younger generation.

“His support for Kidney Wales and our Donate Wales campaign will make a real difference to the lives of those waiting for a transplant and affected by kidney disease.”

Lostprophets star’s kidney concert - WalesOnline

2008-10-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Lostprophets star’s kidney concert - WalesOnline

LOSTPROPHETS lead singer Ian Watkins will headline an all-star one-off concert on New Year’s Eve.

The gig has been organised by the 31-year-old from Pontypridd to support the work of the Kidney Wales Foundation, as he is today named the charity’s new ambassador for young people.

Watkins will urge fans at the concert to sign the NHS Organ Donor Register in an attempt to increase the number of organs available for transplant.

He became involved with the charity after his mum Elaine had a kidney transplant last year.

Public asked about organ donor law change - WalesOnline

2008-10-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

Public asked about organ donor law change - WalesOnline

Public asked about organ donor law change
Oct 24 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

WALES will take its first steps towards a decision on changing the current organ donor laws with a series of public debates.

The outcome of these meetings, which begin next week, could determine whether the nation attempts to introduce a controversial system of presumed consent in an attempt to boost the number of organs available for transplant. If Wales does decide to pursue a legislative competence order to change from an opt-in to an opt-out system, it would become the first country in the UK to do so.

The around-Wales debates, which start in Cardiff on Monday, come after Health Minister Edwina Hart overturned the recommendations of the National Assembly’s health committee which had ruled out a law change in favour of presumed consent.

Mrs Hart said: “Although the Assembly Government is already funding campaigns to increase the number of donors, a shortage of organs still remains, so it is my belief that we should examine more closely the issue of introducing a system of presumed consent.

“I recognise that any changes to legislation would require further wideranging consultation and testing of public opinion as this is a sensitive and emotive issue. That’s why I’m announcing this series of debates and publishing a discussion paper for those that are unable to attend but would still wish to comment.

“Once there is clear understanding of public opinion in Wales on the issue of presumed consent, the Assembly Government will consider the need for a legislative change.”

There are currently 495 people in Wales waiting for an organ transplant – 437 of whom need a new kidney. But because of the shortage of organs for donation, people are dying every year while on the waiting list – four people have died already this year in Wales.

The public debates, which have been organised by Wales’ community health councils, will also discuss the current opt-in system and a third possibility – mandated choice.

Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation and the Donate Wales campaign, said: “We know that a large percentage of people in Wales support organ donation, yet there remains a desperate shortage of donors.

“We in Wales can and must continue to take the lead in addressing this shortage and we welcome the Minister’s encouraging steps to do so by engaging the public in the biggest ethical debate the Assembly has faced since the arrival of devolved government in our country.

“The desperate shortage of donors means that those waiting for a transplant face the reality of having to wait years before getting that second chance a transplant could give them.

“Kidney Wales believes the introduction of a system of presumed consent, with the general public’s support, coupled with more efficiencies in acute hospitals and more donor co-ordinators, would lead to many more lives being saved thanks to the gift of the donor.

“This system has been proven to help save and transform thousands of lives in other European countries where it has already been adopted.”

Plaid Cymru AM Dr Dai Lloyd, a member of the health committee, who voted against the idea of abandoning presumed consent, said: “Far too many families in Wales are watching a brother, sister, mother or father waiting for a lifesaving transplant, when the answer is staring us in the face. We need more organ donors, and presumed consent is proven to work.”

Dr Richard Lewis, Welsh secretary of the BMA, said: “BMA Cymru Wales has always consistently called for an open and honest public debate on the issues surrounding presumed consent for organ donation. While the BMA has always argued for a shake-up of the way organs are donated, we accept that if we are going to have such a fundamental change, then the public needs to be informed and engaged about the issues.

“That is why we welcome this series of public meetings and we urge doctors across Wales and the general public to have their say.”

A discussion document is available at www.wales.gov.uk/health

Find your nearest organ donor meeting

Cardiff: Monday, at the Taff Conference Centre, Sophia Gardens, Welsh Institute of Sport, from 6.15pm to 9pm;

Brecon: Tuesday, at the Bishop Meadow Hotel, Brecon, from noon to 3pm;

Haverfordwest: Wednesday, at Nant-y-Ffin Hotel, Llandissilio, from 10am to 1pm;

Caernarfon: October 31, Siambr Dafydd Orwig, Gwynedd Council, from 1pm to 4pm;

Aberystwyth: November 3, at the Parc Lodge Hotel, Parc y Llun, from 7pm to 10pm;

Wrexham: November 4, Nick Whitehead Theatre, Main Foyer, Glyndwr University, from 6pm to 9pm;

Newtown: November 6, Ladywell House, Newtown, from 10am to 1pm;

Anglesey: November 13, Main Chamber at YMCC offices, Llangefni, from 6pm to 9pm.

PUBLIC DEBATES ON PRESUMED CONSENT ANNOUNCED

2008-10-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Nationwide discussion to explore whether Wales should be the first UK country to introduce an ‘opt-out’ organ donation system.

The dates for a series of debates to gather public opinion on whether Wales should become the first UK country to introduce a system of presumed consent have been announced today.

Welsh Assembly Government Health Minister Edwina Hart said the purpose of the debates was to gauge views on whether the Assembly Government should seek a legislative change in order to increase the number of organ donors.
A discussion document will also be issued and published on-line by the Assembly Government this Friday to invite wider comment from the public. Respondents will be able to use a website to electronically indicate their preference of different systems of organ donation consent.

Telephone interviews with a representative sample of the population will also be carried out.

The Community Health Councils in Wales are inviting members of the public to attend the debates. Those interested in attending are being asked to register rather than just turn up to ensure a broad representative sample of the population attends each debate.

The dates, times and locations for the public debates are:
o Cardiff – Monday 27 October, Taff Conference Centre, Sophia Gardens, Welsh Institute of Sport, from 6:15 pm – 9:00 pm;

o Brecon – Tuesday 28 October, Bishop Meadow Hotel, Brecon, from 12:00pm – 3:00 pm;

o Haverfordwest – Wednesday 29 October, Nant-y-Ffin Hotel, Llandissilio, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm;

o Caernarfon – Friday 31 October, Siambr Dafydd Orwig, Gwynedd Council, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm;

o Aberystwyth – Monday 3 November, Parc Lodge Hotel, Parc y Llun, from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm;

o Wrexham – Tuesday 4 November, Nick Whitehead Theatre, Main Foyer, Glyndwr University, from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm;

o Newtown – Thursday 6 November, Ladywell House, Newtown, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; and,

o Anglesey – Thursday 13 November, Main Chamber at YMCC offices, Llangefni, from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Because of a shortage of donors, 150 people have died in Wales in the last five years waiting for a transplant.
Edwina Hart said:
“Around 500 people in Wales are currently waiting for an organ transplant, but with a desperate shortage of donors many face the reality of having to wait years and the possibility they may even die while waiting.

“Although the Assembly Government is already funding campaigns to increase the number of donors, a shortage of organs still remains so it is my belief that we should examine more closely the issue of introducing a system presumed consent.

“Last month, I rejected the recommendation from the National Assembly’s Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee that Wales should not pursue a legislative change at this time, because I did not believe that the Committee’s report adequately reflected the evidence it received in relation to presumed consent.

“However, I recognise that any changes to legislation would require further wide-ranging consultation and testing of public opinion as this is a sensitive and emotive issue.

“That’s why I’m announcing this series of debates and publishing a discussion paper for those that are unable to attend but would still wish to comment.
“Once there is clear understanding of public opinion in Wales on the issue of presumed consent, the Assembly Government will consider the need for a legislative change.”

The debates and discussion paper will examine the public’s view of a range of systems such as ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ presumed consent and mandated choice.
The public will also be asked whether certain organs should be excluded from any new system.

To register interest in attending the debates, people should contact Gwenllian Stifin at the Board of Community Health Councils on 0845 644 7814 or enquiries@waleschc.org.uk

The discussion paper can be obtained from Friday at www.wales.gov.uk/health which includes a link to a site where people can indicate their preferred system for organ donation.

Notes :

1. Unlike the current ‘opt-in’ system, presumed consent is an ‘opt-out’ system where it is presumed that your organs are available for transplant to those in need of them unless you have formally registered the view that you do not wish to have them removed after death.

A distinction is often drawn between ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ versions of an opt-out system. In the ‘soft’ version relatives are allowed to veto the removal of the organs of their relative, and in the ‘hard’ version, this veto is not present. The soft version can be found in Belgium and Spain, and the hard version in Austria. Another version of a hard opt out system is one that does not cover some groups. With this system doctors can remove organs from every adult who dies – unless a person has registered to opt out or the person belongs to a group that is defined in law as being against an opt-out system, an example of this is Singapore where Muslims chose to opt out as a group.

In a system of mandated choice, all adults would be required by law to state whether or not they are prepared to donate their organs after death. This could be done when registering with a GP, completing a tax return, or at some other formal occasion.

2. The full response by the Welsh Assembly Government’s to the Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee Inquiry can be found at www.wales.gov.uk/publications/

3. The Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee’s inquiry was published last July and can be accessed at: http://www.assemblywales.org/bus-home/bus-committees/bus-committees-third1/bus-committees-third-hwlg-home/bus-committees-third-hwlg-report.htm

Gair Rhydd- Cardiff University

2008-10-20T03:12:00.000-07:00

Gair Rhydd

A Cardiff University student has recently become the 800,000th person to join the organ donor register in Wales.

The Donate Wales- Tell a Loved One campaign, funded by the Welsh Assembly government has begun an organ donation campaign in Wales.

The drive for more organ donors begins with a student campaign in Welsh Universities. Students make up around 30% of those on those on the register, joining when aged 16-30.

Wales First Minister Statement at Question Time on Organ Donation

2008-10-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

In response to a Ouestion from Dr Dai Lloyd AM at First Minister's Questions on 7 October 2008 and Jonathan Morgan AM with a view from Jenny Randerson AM in support The Rt Hon. Rhodri Morgan AM First Minister commented as follows on presumed consent:

We have just reached the milestone of getting 800,000 people in Wales on the register. I think that James Herbert, an ophthalmology student at Cardiff University, was the eight-hundred-thousandth person to register. We are forging ahead towards the 1 million mark now, while also aiming for the new legislation.

Yes. We will pursue legislative competence for presumed consent to reinforce the progress that has already been made, including reaching the milestone of having 800,000 people on the register, when only 3 million people live in Wales. There are probably 2.25 million adults in Wales—and I presume that it is only adults who can consent to this—which means that about 40 per cent of adults have given their consent. We are taking the twin-track approach of trying to achieve a sea change in public attitude side by side with securing a change in the law. The law will not work without that sea change in public attitude.

We are looking at achieving more than just passing a new law. Creating a new law setting out the principle of presumed consent would do only half the job. We are also trying to change the culture and public attitudes. A 'sea change in public attitude’, as we say, is essential if this new law is to work.

800,000 person joins Organ Donor Register in Wales

2008-10-08T05:04:00.000-07:00

Increase in organ donors - WalesOnline

A SOUTH Wales student has become the 800,000th person to join the Organ Donor Register in Wales.

James Herbert, studying to become an ophthalmologist in Cardiff, registered in response to the Donate Wales campaign.

Edwina Hart Minister for Health committed to organ donation and increase in numbers on register

2008-09-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

Welsh Assembly Government Minister Edwina Hart was praised by patients and Assembly Members for her support of the Donate Wales Tell A Loved One Campaign. Speaking in the Assembly Mrs Hart expressed her gratitude to the Kidney wales Foundation for leading the Campaign and said " It is important that we address the need for the 500 waiting for organ transplants in Wales and I want to continue to work towards increasing the numbers on the organ donor register in Wales" .

She added " I have anounced a consultation withe public on a system of presumed consent."

Roy J Thomas chair of Kidney Wales Foundation said "Politicans from all parties have praised the Minister for direction she is taking us. We will continue to campaign and ensure that patients like Robert Edwards get a transplant."

Present was Robert Edwards aged 13 years who has just had a transplant and is the face of the Donate Wales Campaign.

Western Mail Leader 20 of September 2008 on Question of Presumed Consent and Organ Donation

2008-09-23T04:02:00.000-07:00

FROM EDITORIAL OF WESTERN MAIL SATURDAY 20th of SEPTEMBER 2008

THE question of whether we should opt out of donating our organs should we die remains a divisive one, as the political developments we report today demonstrate. The Assembly’s health committee rejected the idea, preferring to stick with the current system where people have to opt in and sign up for a donor card.

The committee decided switching the rules around would be a “distraction” from efforts to encourage more people to sign up.
Its report also suggested that public opinion was not ready to make the switch – something that seems unlikely.

Yet not every AM on the committee was convinced by this line of argument, and it seems Health Minister Edwina Hart is open to the idea of a change in policy. She said yesterday she would not rule out asking for the powers to be transferred from London to Cardiff Bay so Wales could make its own decisions on the issue.

Her response to the health committee sensibly pointed out the report did not reflect the range of different views on the question. In short, the health committee ducked the issue; it would be better to be bold, and take a position that says Wales should lead the way.

The devolution settlement allows Ministers to ask Westminster for extra powers; it should do so in this case, and a decision on whether Wales should be the first part of the UK to have a system of presumed consent in organ donations should be made by the Assembly. That decision should come in a free vote of all 60 AMs, and not be decided by a Minister or a health committee that is itself split on the issue.

We think presumed consent is a simple and sensible move forward. It’s clear that the present system does not work well enough; not enough people carry donor cards, and the waiting lists for transplants goes up and up.

Changing the policy costs nothing, save for a necessary public information campaign, and has the potential to make a huge difference to thousands of families.
Far too many people are suffering the distress of seeing loved ones fighting for life while a desperate search for donors goes on – surely we can rewrite the rules and reduce their pain? There are now 501 people waiting for a transplant, the highest ever number. With the figures heading in the wrong direction, the time is right for radical action.

Some will object that the state has no place in automatically claiming rights over a person’s body. But this would be presumed consent, not compulsory donation. Those who feel strongly can easily opt out, and some doubtless will.
But that isn’t an argument for doing nothing. The present system doesn’t work well enough, and causes unnecessary suffering. The Assembly Government should seek the power to do something about it – and show it’s brave enough to lead the way.

Kidney transplant father backs reform - WalesOnline

2008-09-22T01:46:00.000-07:00

Kidney transplant father backs reform - WalesOnline

Mr Schofield travelled to the Philippines in June 2007 in the hope of buying a new kidney after an earlier transplant had failed.

The trip was unsuccessful but he underwent a kidney transplant at the University Hospital of Wales in February, allowing him to return to work and resume surfing.

The father-of-two said: “Presumed consent is a great thing, but the way it has been put across means many people think they will be giving everything away.

“No-one will be asking anyone to do anything different if we move to an opt-out system – people will still be able to live their lives as fast as they want, but if anything happens they will have another chance to help someone else."

A vision for organ donation (From Western Telegraph)

2008-09-22T01:31:00.000-07:00

A vision for organ donation (From Western Telegraph)

Pembrokeshire people and businesses have been busy supporting the Kidney Wales Foundation.

In the recent Kidney Wales Foundation charity half-marathon held in Cardiff, Charles Davies, from Haverfordwest was one of the oldest runners and completed his race in less than an hour.

The Donate Wales, tell a loved one campaign is being led by the Kidney Wales Foundation. It has resulted in some of the country’s biggest charities coming together to tackle the shortage of donors.

Manager of Haverfordwest Specsavers, Andy Britton, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this campaign. We have already been encouraging customers to join the organ donor register and tell their loved ones just how important organ donation is through leaflets and posters."

TEENAGER Robert Edwards is living proof of the amazing gift of organ donation. - WalesOnline

2008-09-21T04:14:00.000-07:00

TEENAGER Robert Edwards is living proof of the amazing gift of organ donation. - WalesOnline

TEENAGER Robert Edwards is living proof of the amazing gift of organ donation.
Sep 20 2008 by Katie Bodinger, South Wales Echo

The 13-year-old, who was on dialysis 10 hours a night before the operation two weeks ago, is now full of energy.

After a wait of more than two years, his parents, Paul and Jayne, are understandably overjoyed that their son can look forward to being a normal youngster.

Before, their lives were on hold as they anxiously waited for the life-saving call to come.

There is a desperate need for more organ donors, as Robert’s plight shows.

Let’s hope his case will inspire more to tell relatives that if the worst happens they would want their organs to save the lives of others.

Lib Dem’s welcome for donor report - WalesOnline

2008-09-21T04:06:00.000-07:00

Lib Dem’s welcome for donor report - WalesOnlineLib Dem’s welcome for donor report
Sep 20 2008 by Katie Norman, South Wales Echo

LIBERAL Democrat health spokeswoman Jenny Randerson has given the “strongest possible welcome” to Health Minister Edwina Hart’s rejection of the Health Committee’s report on presumed consent for organ donation.

Wales could lead UK in presumed consent for organ donations - WalesOnline

2008-09-20T05:57:00.000-07:00

Wales could lead UK in presumed consent for organ donations - WalesOnline

WALES could yet become the first country in the UK to change organ donation laws and introduce a controversial opt-out system.

Health Minister Edwina Hart yesterday said she would not rule out a legislative competence order for presumed consent, as she rejected recommendations by the National Assembly’s influential health committee.

Mrs Edwina Hart was yesterday praised by campaigners and political opponents for showing “leadership” over the issue despite the lack of concrete plans to move presumed consent forward.

Roy J Thomas, chair of Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “It is about time that we saw leadership on this issue in Wales.

“For a conclusion to a report to say to a family, hold on your child can wait for a transplant or die waiting, is a failure to read the real situation and more importantly the evidence before a committee.

“While the committee says now is not the time to introduce presumed consent, our supporters say, when will be the right time – should more people die while the health committee deliberates?

“We now need action on this issue.”

Wales organ donation consent plan - WalesOnline

2008-09-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

Wales organ donation consent plan - WalesOnline

Wales organ donation consent plan
Sep 19 2008 By Madeleine Brindley

WALES could become the first part of the UK to switch to a system of presumed consent for organ donation as Health Minister Edwina Hart today dramatically rejected an Assembly committee report.

The National Assembly's health committee decided that it would not call for such an opt-out system earlier this year because it would "distract" from the need to increase the number of organs available for donation.

But Mrs Hart today said that the receommendation is out of step with public opinion and said the Assembly Government will not rule out seeking a legislative competence order to introduce presumed consent in Wales.

BBC NEWS | Wales | Presumed consent on organs backed

2008-09-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

BBC NEWS | Wales | Presumed consent on organs backed

A system of "presumed consent" for organ donations may be sought by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Health Minister Edwina Hart has announced that it remains under "active consideration".

She was responding to the assembly health committee's recommendation that ministers should not seek powers to bring in such a system.

Healthy vision - WalesOnline

2008-09-17T00:06:00.000-07:00

Healthy vision - WalesOnline

Healthy vision
Sep 18 2008 by Our Correspondent, Gwent Gazette

A LOCAL optician has pledged its support to a campaign urging people to join the Organ Donor Register and talk about organ donation with their loved ones.

Specsavers in Ebbw Vale is backing the Donate Wales, Tell a Loved One campaign. It is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and has already received the support of Welsh celebrities such as Colin Jackson, Connie Fisher, Max Boyce and Stuart Cable.

More than 490 people in Wales are currently waiting for transplants, yet only one in four of us has joined the Organ Donor Register. The campaign is being led by the Kidney Wales Foundation and sees some of the country’s biggest charities come together for the first time in the UK to tackle the shortage of donors. Organisations involved include the British Heart Foundation Cymru, British Medical Association, Diabetes UK, British Liver Trust, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Live Life then Give Life, Royal National Institute for the Blind and Welsh Kidney Patients Association.

Katherine sings ‘kindhearted’ runners’ praises - WalesOnline

2008-09-06T01:09:00.000-07:00

Katherine sings ‘kindhearted’ runners’ praises - WalesOnline

Katherine sings ‘kindhearted’ runners’ praises
Sep 5 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, South Wales Echo

CLASSICAL superstar Katherine Jenkins will be cheering on thousands of runners on Sunday when she starts this year’s HSBC Cardiff 10K Run.

This will be the mezzo soprano’s first official engagement for the Kidney Wales Foundation after becoming the charity’s newest patron.

Katherine said: “I’m really looking forward to starting the run and can’t wait to see lots of kindhearted people coming together in the name of the charity.

“It’s going to be a wonderful day that, thanks to the generosity of people across Wales, will help raise life-saving funds for Kidney Wales.”

About 2,000 runners are expected to don their trainers on Sunday for the charity, which supports people with kidney problems, including Zowiann Flood, from Pontypridd.

'Now I can see again I look at it as a gift' - WalesOnline

2008-09-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

'Now I can see again I look at it as a gift' - WalesOnline

'Now I can see again I look at it as a gift'
Sep 1 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

Organ transplantation is life-saving surgery for the patients fortunate enough to find a donor. But it can also be sight-saving, as Health Editor Madeleine Brindley found when she met the grandmother whose life has been transformed by a corneal graft

DEBBIE HARRIS lived in a black and white world of shadows and mist, only able to recognise her own daughters by their silhouettes and the smell of their perfume.

She had no idea what the youngest of her eight grandchildren looked like – she was unable to conjure a picture of them in her mind’s eye as they spoke on the phone as they had been born after she started her descent into blindness.

Join up with organ register - WalesOnline

2008-08-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

Join up with organ register - WalesOnlineJoin up with organ register
Aug 28 2008 by Jonathan Evans, Pontypridd Observer

A MAN who suffered kidney failure is urging everyone in Wales to join an organ donation campaign.

Alun Reynolds, 24, of Lan Close, Graigwen, nearly died last year after becoming seriously ill with the disease in the space of 24-hours.

He has now fully recovered and is determined to ensure donors are available for others who are left fighting for their lives.

Alun met Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks to discuss the Donate Wales campaign and said: “Only 23% of the Welsh population have signed up to the campaign.

“Families don’t understand that you are more likely to need an organ than to give an organ. It is important to discuss with your family if you want to donate because you may find someone in your family may need an organ.

“I am passionate about creating awareness of the issues involved. It is fantastic that nearly 600 people signed up to go on the data base during the Eisteddfod."

Voices raised for Last Choir clash - WalesOnline

2008-08-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

Voices raised for Last Choir clash - WalesOnline

Choir Backing Donate Wales Campaign

Despite a hectic rehearsal schedule, the choir met Cardiff kidney recipient Leni Hatcher, who works for Kidney Wales Foundation in the city and backed the charity’s Tell a Loved One campaign, urging people to join the organ donor register.

The charity is urging all its supporters through its Facebook site to vote for the choir tonight.

Leni, 23, from Roath, Cardiff, said: “I’m such a big fan of the choir so it was really exciting to meet them all in person.

“They were amazing and really good looking.

Children from Wales Kidney Unit at Chitty Bang Bang with Aled and Stars in Cardiff

2008-08-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

Children from the Wales Kidney Unit pictured with Aled Jones and the Stars at of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay.

Transplant queue rises above 500 - WalesOnline

2008-08-16T02:38:00.000-07:00

Transplant queue rises above 500 - WalesOnline

Transplant queue rises above 500
Aug 16 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

THE number of people waiting for an organ transplant in Wales has exceeded 500 for the first time ever.

Official figures from UK Transplant reveal that there are 501 people living in Wales who need a transplant – the majority are waiting for a new kidney.

BBC NEWS | Wales | Transplant list passes 500 mark

2008-08-16T02:27:00.000-07:00

BBC NEWS | Wales | Transplant list passes 500 mark

Donate Wales said in the last 20 weeks alone 13 people have died whilst on the waiting list.

Roy J. Thomas, the charity's chairman, said the figures of 501 on the waiting list underlined why it was "so important more of us who want to help should join the Organ Donor Register".

The charity launched its Tell a Loved One Campaign in May. Since then almost 14,000 have joined the register, but Mr Thomas said more are still needed with only 27% of the Welsh population signed up.

He said: "We would like to say thank you to those that have joined the Organ Donor Register in Wales and told their loved ones about their wishes, but the challenge does not stop there.

"We urge those that want to help to act on their good intentions and sign-up now. It only takes a few minutes to do so and you could save a life one day."

Katherine to start capital’s 10k run - WalesOnline

2008-08-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

Katherine to start capital’s 10k run - WalesOnline

Aug 11 2008 by Matt Aplin, South Wales Echo

CLASSICAL singer Katherine Jenkins will start this year’s Cardiff 10k run from Sophia Gardens.

It will be the Welsh star’s first official engagement for the Kidney Wales Foundation as its newest patron.

The September 7 event was first launched in 1985 and has generated thousands of pounds for good causes.

Katherine said: “I’m very proud to be a patron of the Kidney Wales Foundation. To support a cause so close to my heart is very special to me.

“I first became involved with the charity in 2005 when I met brave Zowiann Flood at the Children’s Kidney Centre in Cardiff. She was only 10 at the time and desperately needed a kidney transplant.

“Her bravery was such an inspiration to see and we have been friends ever since.”

More sign up to donate their organs on the NHS register - WalesOnline

2008-08-04T02:04:00.000-07:00

More sign up to donate their organs on the NHS register - WalesOnline

Aug 4 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

MORE than 11,000 people have joined the NHS Organ Donor Register in the wake of the first all-Wales organ donation campaign.

In the two months since the Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One campaign was launched in mid May, the number of people in Wales who have registered now stands at 791,543.

But the number of people waiting for an organ transplant in Wales have also increased – the figure now stands at 490, a 61% increase since 2001. The majority of people on the list are waiting for a new kidney.

And in the last five years 150 people from Wales have died while waiting for an organ transplant.

The Donate Wales campaign, which is led by the Kidney Wales Foundation, is the first of its kind in Wales and is designed to raise awareness about organ donation and encourage people to talk about their wishes with their families.

Messages of Hope-Eisteddfod a Great Success for Campaign as more sign up on Maes

2008-08-03T04:24:00.000-07:00

Children and adults wrote messages of hope on the Message Wall at the Eisteddfod.

Nearly a 100 people made the decision in one afternoon to sign up to the Organ Donor Register. They joined Edwina Hart the Health Minister and her husband. Assembly Member Dr Dai Lloyd visited the stand with his Family and wrote on the Wall.

Edwina at the Cardiff Eisteddfod helping sign ups

2008-08-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

Edwina Hart the Minister for Health today attended the Donate Wales stand at the National Eisteddfod. She chatted to staff and wanted to understand the events going on during the week. Sign ups had been good during Edwina's visit and she was joined by partners in the Campaign RNIB and the British Heart Foundation. Edwina Hart thanked volunteers and all charities involved for the Government voluntary sector partnership.

Leni Hatcher who is at the Eisteddfod all week for the Kidney Wales Foundation and herself a recipient of a kidney said " It is not often you get a Minister taking such a keen interest. We were all impressed with her.".

Chair of Kidney Wales Roy J Thomas said "Leni and the Team have put a great deal of effort into the stand which is far from boring. children have flocked all day to write messages. It looks like a great Eisteddfod for Donate Wales and the Campaign".

BBC NEWS | Wales | South West Wales | Woman 'transformed' by kidney op

2008-07-29T23:24:00.000-07:00

BBC NEWS | Wales | South West Wales | Woman 'transformed' by kidney op

A woman whose life was "transformed" by a kidney transplant 26 years ago says she is disappointed health AMs have rejected the idea of presumed consent.

Gloria Owens, 61, from Swansea, received her new kidney in 1982.

She said changing the rules in Wales on how organs are sourced for donation would "benefit the whole of the UK".

She said: "I would dearly love everyone to have the chance of having the gift of life I've had - I have friends who have been waiting a long time."

The Greatest Gift given by Meg

2008-07-29T23:15:00.000-07:00

This week, the family of three year old Meg Burgess from Denbighshire, who died after a garden wall collapsed onto her, described donating her eyes and heart for transplant as "the greatest gifts anyone could ever receive".

The Family of Meg has our deepest sympathy. The parents of Meg have made a decision which will change lives.

Register by mobile phone for donors - WalesOnline

2008-07-22T03:21:00.000-07:00

Register by mobile phone for donors - WalesOnline

Register by mobile phone for donors

Jul 21 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

POTENTIAL organ donors in Wales can now join the NHS register using their mobile phone.

In what is hoped to be a major boost to the number of people on the NHS Organ Donor Register in Wales, the new mobile service has been launched as part of the Donate Wales – Tell A Loved One campaign.

People across Wales can sign up by texting “give” to 64118.

Riverside crowd set to roar for delayed match - JournalLive

2008-07-20T02:22:00.000-07:00

Riverside crowd set to roar for delayed match - JournalLive

All gate proceeds will be split between the County Durham Foundation, the Kidney Wales Foundation for the Donate Wales Campaign and the Cricket Foundation.

Health chief wants Wales to talk about death - WalesOnline

2008-07-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

Health chief wants Wales to talk about death - WalesOnline

Health chief wants Wales to talk about death
Jul 14 2008 by Dr Tony Jewell, Western Mail

With so many people desperate for help, now’s the time to talk about organ donation, says Dr Tony Jewell

LAST week was National Transplant Week, when a concerted effort was made to make the public aware of the urgent need for organ donors.

The target for the week was to register an additional 80,000 people as organ donors across the UK.

But to sign up donors for just one week of the year isn’t enough – it is something that we should be advocating 365 days a year.

There are 480 people waiting for transplants in Wales alone at the moment, many of them children.

More than 90% of people support organ donation in principle, but only 25% of the population in Wales have actually acted on their good intentions and made the commitment.

The demand for organ donation is ever increasing as people are living longer and scientific breakthroughs are made, which in turn mean the scope for use of donated organs has developed too.

As the NHS continues in its efforts to provide better care, and more opportunities for patients to keep healthy, every effort should also be made by people to sign up as organ donors, and discuss their wishes with their loved ones – something which isn’t necessarily being done at the moment.

Organ donor scheme gets boost from pharmacies - WalesOnline

2008-07-11T02:35:00.000-07:00

Organ donor scheme gets boost from pharmacies - WalesOnline
Organ donor scheme gets boost from pharmacies by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

MORE than one person a week is being added to the organ transplant list in Wales.

In the last seven weeks, 12 more patients’ conditions have deteriorated to the point where they need a life-saving organ transplant.

The shocking figure comes as people in Wales will be able to register as potential organ donors as they pick up their prescription medicines from their local pharmacy.

The move, which is launched today at the start of Transplant week, is the latest stage of the Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One campaign, which aims to boost the number of people registered as donors and encourage them to talk about their wishes.

The registration forms will be available in Wales’ 719 pharmacies, including high street and independent chemists.

It is hoped that this campaign will help patients like 14-year-old Sahibaa Ali, from Newport, who has suffered from kidney failure most of her life.

Sahibaa will eventually need a new kidney – at the moment she is too ill to be put on the transplant list and is undergoing dialysis three times a week at the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff.

She is one of the first patients in Wales to use a new haemodialysis machine which

Chemists join bid to urge more to sign donor forms - WalesOnline

2008-07-11T02:31:00.000-07:00

Chemists join bid to urge more to sign donor forms - WalesOnline

Chemists join bid to urge more to sign donor forms
Jul 7 2008 by Gregory Tindle, South Wales Echo

THE drive to recruit more organ donors in Wales has reached the high street as every chemist in Wales will help to sign up more people.

All 719 pharmacies in Wales and more than 600 GP surgeries, opticians and dental practices will take part in the second phase of the Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One campaign, which starts today.

The campaign, launched in May, is led by the Kidney Wales Foundation to urge more people to join the organ donor register. The charity said that in the past seven weeks 12 more people have been added to the transplant waiting list in Wales.

Health Minister Edwina Hart, said: “Discussing what happens to us and our organs after we die are things most people don’t really want to think about but it is important for people to discuss the possibility with family members. Having leaflets and registration forms in pharmacies creates a talking point that will hopefully start conversations between potential donors and their families.”

Raj Aggarwal, chairman of trustees at the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “By giving people the chance to pick up a registration form when they’re collecting their prescription, we hope that many more people will act on their good intentions, join the organ donor register and tell their loved ones about their donation wishes.”

Long Wait for a Transplant ask the daughters of Stewart Rankin who waits

2008-06-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

(Stewart Rankin and daughter Molly pictured)

AFTER two years on the heart transplant waiting list, Stewart Rankin is acutely aware of time running out.

But the 58-year-old, from Rogerstone, clings to the hope that he will get the telephone call that could signal a life-transforming operation.

The former social worker joined the waiting list, early in June 2006.

For Mr Rankin's daughters Molly 16, and Willow, 17, and wife Connie, a new heart would make an ideal gift, but for now they back the latest campaign to boost Organ Donor Register numbers.

The Donate Wales - Tell A Loved One campaign, launched recently by the Kidney Wales Foundation, is backed by other charities, including the British Heart Foundation, British Liver Trust, Diabetes UK Cymru, RNIB Cymru, and the Welsh Kidney Patient Association.

For Mr Rankin, it is vital more people join the register and tell their families of their wishes.

"There's a debate about presumed consent for organ donation, and one of the problems I think, iis that people think it is going through Parliament. But it isn't and it would take several years anyway," he said.

"Joining the register is something people put off, even though they do not necessarily disagree with the idea. We don't like to confront the idea of death."

That idea is something the Rankin family have had to get used to since Mr Rankin, who fell ill in 2000, was diagnosed with congenital heart failure two years ago.

Failing health means Mr Rankin, who retrained as hypnotherapist, cannot participate fully in family life, with even trips to the cinema ruled out.

"I don't want to be dependent. I've always worked, but I am asking for help now. I still have a life ahead of me," he said.

"It is phenomenally expensive for to the country to support people on the waiting list, around £200 million. But to treat us would cost around £40m. The rest could be saved every year.

"Most people on the lists want to go back to work, but liike me they have stay-at-home lifestyles.

"I have a fantastic family and the greatest gift I could have would be a new heart. Then I can start joining in."

For Molly Rankin, who has just completed her GCSEs, the Donate Wales campaign is vital "It could save someone's life, like my dad's," she said.

"Without a donor, dad will die one day. He won't get to see us grow-up and get married, or look forward to retirement with mum. It's a horrible future for all of us."

There are around 7,500 UK-wide awaiting an organ transplant, more than 450 in Wales. Since 2003, 750 people in Wales have received a transplant, but 150 have died waiting. Just 27 per cent of people in Wales have joined the Organ Donor Register.

For more information or to join the Organ Donor Register visit www.donatewales.org or call 0845 60 60 400.

Glamorgan helps catch vital organ donors - WalesOnline

2008-06-24T05:38:00.000-07:00

Glamorgan helps catch vital organ donors
Jun 23 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

GLAMORGAN Cricket Club has adopted the new Welsh organ donation campaign as its official charity partner for the season.

The Dragons, who began their Twenty20 campaign against Warwickshire earlier this month, will display the Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One logo at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff.

The club will also urge its supporters to think about registering as an organ donor and talk to their family about their wishes.

Cricket manager Matthew Maynard said: “As a community-led club Glamorgan Cricket understands the importance of such a life-saving campaign.

“We urge all our supporters to discuss their organ donation wishes with their families and friends and join the Organ Donor Register.”

Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation and the Donate Wales campaign, said: “Glamorgan Cricket Club is one of the best supported sides in Wales and their support of the Tell a Loved One campaign is invaluable in raising awareness."

ON THE LOOK OUT FOR LEAFLETS TO SIGN UP IN WALES

2008-06-19T04:18:00.000-07:00

The Facebook Donate Wales Group is being asked to look out for leaflets in HSBC branches in Wales and GP Surgeries, Chemists/Pharmacies and Dentists. All delivered by 20th of June- we cannot check everywhere but want to know that the 120,000 leaflets are out there.

Please report back if you see them. Some seen in HSBC Llantwit Major this morning.Also the Little Chef Builth Wells on the weekend.

Thank you

Noel Davies

Campaign Team
Donate Wales
Tel 02920 343940

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12229443852

HSBC support Organ Donation in Wales. - WalesOnline

2008-06-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

HSBC support Organ Donation in Wales. - WalesOnline

HSBC support Organ Donation in Wales.
Jun 19 2008 by Rachel Moses, Neath Guardian

NEATH branch of HSBC wants its customers to get behind an organ donation campaign to help save more lives.

The bank is supporting Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One campaign, which was launched by the Kidney Wales Foundation.

It aims to encourage more people to express their donation wishes and join the Organ Donor Register.

More than 470 people in Wales are currently listed for a transplant, with the majority needing a new kidney.

Alan Jarman, HSBC’s chief executive in Wales said: “The Donate Wales – Tell a Loved

“We hope that by encouraging our customers and staff to tell their loved ones about their donation wishes, more lives can be saved.”

Daughters pray for new heart for dad - icWales

2008-06-15T01:32:00.000-07:00

Daughters pray for new heart for dad - icWales click for full story

Daughters pray for new heart for dad
Jun 15 2008 by James McCarthy, Wales On Sunday

DESPERATELY-ILL Stewart Rankin’s brave teenage daughters are praying for the phone call that could save his life this Father’s Day.

Stewart, 58, has been waiting for a new heart for more than two years and knows he could be reaching the end of his life.

The Glasgow-born hypnotherapist, who used to run a shop in Llanedeyrn, Cardiff, was born with his heart the wrong way round and is now in dire need of a transplant.

He joined the list on Monday, June 5, 2006 – 741 long days ago.

And Molly and Willow just want London’s Harefield Hospital, which has been looking after their favourite man, to call today to give him the best Father’s Day gift he – and they – could wish for.

They just want their dad healthy but know that might never happen.

For the past 18 months they’ve been encouraging people to become donors. They’re backing the Kidney Wales Foundation’s “Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One” campaign to get people talking about the subject.

Organ Donation and Ethnicity Study

2008-06-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

Imperial College London - Organ Donation and Ethnicity Study (ODES)

Despite several successful Campaigns like ours in Donate Wales there remains a severe shortage of organs for transplant in the UK and particular for Indo-Asian and Afro-Caribbean ethnic groups.

Unfortunately, people from Indo-Asian and Afro-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds are more likely to need an organ transplant because of higher rates of high blood pressure and diabetes than the general population which can lead to kidney failure.

Furthermore, since some organs are often matched by tissue type and blood group, an organ from the same ethnic group is more likely to be successful. The Organ Donation and Ethnicity Study (ODES) aims to understand better the relationship between ethnic beliefs and organ donation by talking to people from a White British/Irish, Indo-Asian and Afro-Caribbean ethnic background with a positive or ambivalent opinion of organ donation and transplantation. From this sample the Faculty aims to understand how people are managing to integrate the idea of organ donation and transplantation into their lives including their ethnic and spiritual beliefs.

Imperial College London - Faculty of Medicine .The Faculty is one of Europe's largest medical institutions - in terms of its staff and student population and its research income.

Excellent catchphrase to mobilise project Donate Wales

2008-06-14T03:16:00.000-07:00

The Greatest gift LETTER TO WESTERN MAIL 13 of June 2008

SIR – The “Tell a Loved One” story (June 2) regarding organ donation for transplants is an excellent catchphrase to mobilise project Donate Wales.

Eighty per cent of the people of Wales wish to donate their organs after death but only some 25% have registered or told their next to kin of their wishes, resulting in patients dying in their hundreds while still on very expensive soul-destroying dialysis or other procedures.

Donated organs are worth more than cremated organs as they can prevent children becoming orphans and parents losing their beloved children.

They can also get the bread- winner of a family back into work rather than existing on benefits.

One donor can save up to seven lives if only people, young and old, would dial the magic telephone number 0845 60 60 400 to ensure they are entered on the NHS organ donor register.

I’m grateful to my kidney donor for giving me the gift of life five years ago, after I had suffered five years on very expensive and miserable dialysis.

Organ transplantations are among one of the most cost effective procedures the NHS can make, thus releasing millions of pounds per annum, to the lasting benefit of all hospitals, social services, patients and their families. If only everyone, young and old, would Tell a Loved One their wishes and dial that magic number 0845 60 60 400 now.

What greater gift can man give to man than the gift of life?

It makes one’s life worth while.

MICHAEL J REES
A member of the WKPA, Llandeilo, Carms

Bethan Jenkins AM supports organ donation campaign - icWales

2008-06-14T03:13:00.000-07:00

AM supports organ donation campaign - icWales

AM supports organ donation campaign
Jun 5 2008 by Emma Pengelly, Neath Guardian

A PLAID Cymru AM is urging locals to help the 400 people across Wales who are desperately waiting for an organ transplant.

South West Wales AM Bethan Jenkins is supporting the Donate Wales Tell a Loved One campaign, which highlights the importance of people telling friends and family of their wish to be an organ donor.

Due to a shortage of organs, some people on the waiting list for a transplant have to wait years before getting one, and others die.

Speaking from the National Assembly, the AM said: “One of the biggest obstacles to more lives being saved is that four out of 10 families refuse for their loved ones organs to be donated – often simply because they didn’t know what they would have wanted. In the last five years more than 750 lives in Wales have been transformed by a transplant and the generosity of a donor.

“Sadly in that same time 150 people have died, many just children, and without more donors more lives will be lost.”

There is no age limit to joining the register or restrictions because of a person’s sexuality.

Give Wales Your Hearty Support - Bates

2008-06-14T02:58:00.000-07:00

Give Wales Your Hearty Support - Bates
3.04.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 13th Jun 2008

As the Kidney Wales Foundation continues their 'Donate Wales' campaign, Welsh Lib Dem Mick Bates AM expresses his strong support for the campaign which is aimed to tackle the shortage of organ donors in Wales. Mick recently underwent a hip operation and found himself lucky that his operation didn't require a transplant. However, the Montgomeryshire AM remains concerned with the fate of more than 450 people across Wales who are currently waiting in hope.

Sadly, within the last 5 years 150 people died waiting while more than 750 received a transplant that changed their lives. The critical shortage of organs is increasing while 73% of Wales is still to register for the donation.

Mick Bates: "It is sad that so many people die waiting for a transplant. When asked, 90% of people support organ donation. In my view presumed consent for organ donation would be a life-saving response to the needs of many Welsh people who are currently awaiting a transplant.

"This is not an easy topic for conversation, but we must promote knowledge about organ donation in Wales. Many people are not aware that there is no minimum and maximum age limit for registering as a donor. Having a medical condition does not necessarily prevent a person from becoming an organ or tissue donor either."

In Powys alone at the end of February this year 12 people were waiting for a kidney transplant, while 48 were receiving dialysis, according to the Health Commission Wales.

Mick said: "Registering for organ donation can have a real life-saving impact and help people from your area. We must encourage more people to register for organ donation which can give others a chance to live."

Bank’s organ donor cause - Daily Post North Wales

2008-06-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Bank’s organ donor cause - Daily Post North Wales

click for full story

Bank’s organ donor cause
Jun 11 2008 by Carl Butler, Daily Post

HSBC Wrexham is banking on its Welsh customers getting behind a pioneering organ donation campaign to help save more lives.

The bank is supporting the Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One campaign, which was recently launched by the Kidney Wales Foundation and aims to encourage more people to talk about their organ donation wishes with their families and friends and join the Organ Donor Register.

Prime Minister's Questions Today on last weeks of Adrian Sudbury

2008-06-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

Kali Mountford (Colne Valley) (Lab): I am sure that my right hon. Friend will have been impressed by the incredible courage of Adrian Sudbury, who is using the last weeks of his life to campaign for more bone marrow donors to come forward. I have been impressed by the response so far of the Secretaries of State for Children, Schools and Families and for Health, but what more can my right hon. Friend do to help my friend Adrian to achieve his legacy and help 7,000 people to live?

The Prime Minister: I, too, have met and seen the courage of Mr. Sudbury who, as my hon. Friend says, is using the last few weeks of his life to try to make people better aware of the dangers that result when bone marrow donation is not available. The promotion of the donation of blood, bone marrow and organ is a priority for the Department of Health. We are looking at what we can do. The key issue is whether we can encourage people to be donors. I believe that in the next few months we will be able to put proposals that will assist, if not Mr. Sudbury, many other people who suffer as a result of these illnesses.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7438865.stm for video of Adrian

Cricket Stars Line Up For Donor Campaign (from South Wales Argus)

2008-06-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

Cricket Stars Line Up For Donor Campaign (from South Wales Argus)

Cricket manager, Matthew Maynard said: "As a community-led club Glamorgan Cricket understands the importance of such a lifesaving campaign. We urge all our supporteres to discuss their organ donation wishes with their families and friends and join the organ donor register."

More information about the campaign will be available at games throughout the season.

11:29am today

Glamorgan Cricket to knock organ donor shortage for six

2008-06-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

Glamorgan Cricket to knock organ donor shortage for six

Glamorgan Cricket is aiming to knock the shortage of organ donors for six after announcing the Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One campaign as their official charity partner for the 2008 season.

The Glamorgan Dragons, who begin their Twenty20 campaign against Warwickshire on Wednesday, June 11th, will display the "Tell a Loved One" logo in their home matches at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff, as well as in their match day programme and on the club's website.

Stars back organ donation campaign - icWales

2008-06-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Stars back organ donation campaign - icWales

Stars back organ donation campaign
Jun 3 2008 by Aled Blake, Western Mail

DESIGN and advertising agency Peter Gill & Associates has been appointed to deliver the Donate Wales Tell a Loved One campaign.

It is the first organ donation campaign specific to Wales and includes a series of bilingual TV advertisements featuring high-profile individuals such as James Hook, Connie Fisher and Colin Jackson. It aims to encourage individuals to join the Organ Donor Register and inform their loved ones of their intentions.

Jason Gill, Cardiff-based Peter Gill & Associates account director, said: One of the biggest obstacles to more lives being saved is that four out of 10 families refuse for their loved ones organs to be donated often because they didnt know what they would have wanted.

Our aim was to make a personal connection with people, and, in striking a chord, help them to understand how important it is for loved ones to be part of an individuals decision to donate an organ.

Roy Thomas, executive chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, which is leading the campaign, said: The team at Peter Gill & Associates has joined with us to create a high calibre campaign that really reaches out to people, I am certain it will resonate with people throughout Wales, encouraging them to join the Organ Donor Register, and communicate their wishes to those closest to them.

This was the first time a TV advert has ever been used in this way to promote an organ donation campaign, so Peter Gill & Associates has truly carried out some groundbreaking work.

The agency has designed the website, where Colin Jackson makes an appeal aimed at addressing the fact there is a shortage of donors from Black and Asian communities.

‘It would have been selfish if I hadn’t changed someone’s life’ - icWales

2008-06-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

‘It would have been selfish if I hadn’t changed someone’s life’ - icWales
full interview click here

‘It would have been selfish if I hadn’t changed someone’s life’Jun 2 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

Aled Haydn Jones is best known as the daytime producer of the Radio One Chris Moyles Show. He is also one of the Welsh celebrities spearheading the Donate Wales – Tell A Loved One campaign. He spoke to Health Editor Madeleine Brindley about his involvement in the campaign

Q How long have you been on the organ donor register?

A: I’ve actually carried an organ donor card on and off for as long as I can remember. I’ve always felt quite strongly that if I’ve been able to help – even after my death – it’s something I’ve wanted to do.

See more of the interview by clicking above.

Organ campaign leads UK - icWales

2008-06-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

Organ campaign leads UK - icWales Click for full story

Organ campaign leads UK

Jun 2 2008 by Jonathan Morgan AM

Charities working together to solve this problem will have a major impact says Jonathan Morgan

THE recent launch of the Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One campaign will set an example in Wales which the rest of the UK must follow.

The initiative was grasped in the Senedd building when politicians, charities, health professionals and journalists gathered around a large television for the first public screening of a new television advert.

‘You never think about organ donation until it happens to someone close to you’ - icWales

2008-05-31T08:03:00.000-07:00

‘You never think about organ donation until it happens to someone close to you’ - icWales full story click here

by Madeleine Brindley, South Wales Echo

FORMER Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable has spoken about how the death of a close friend inspired him to join the Organ Donor Register.

The musician revealed that his friend Michael Headford had donated his organs following his sudden death a year ago.

Cable is one of a number of Welsh celebrities, including rugby ace James Hook, to feature in a unique campaign to encourage people to sign up as organ donors and talk to their families about their wishes.

Donate Wales – Tell A Loved One was launched earlier this month and is the first Welsh campaign of its kind. It is being supported by a series of television adverts featuring celebrities.

BBC NEWS | Wales | Musician supports donor campaign

2008-05-29T03:33:00.000-07:00

BBC NEWS | Wales | Musician supports donor campaign click for full story

Stuart Cable has urged people to consider organ donation after a man who benefited from his late friend's organs told how it had changed his life.

When Cable's friend, Michael Headford, 41, died suddenly his organs helped save the lives of three people.

The family of one man helped by Mr Headford wrote a letter of thanks to his friends in Aberdare, Cynon Valley.

It inspired Cable, the Stereophonics' former drummer, to back a campaign for people join the Organ Donor Register.

He has added his name to the Donate Wales - Tell a Loved One campaign which is encouraging people to tell their friends and family about their wishes after their death.

Cable, now best known as a radio and TV presenter, said: "A friend of mine passed away suddenly about a year ago and none of us knew he was on the register.

A lot of people feel they want to keep their body in tact but when you can give the gift of life to three people, it's a pretty cool thing to do

Stuart Cable

"We received a letter at the pub sent by the family of one of the people who received an organ.

"This guy was a footballer and had a problem and couldn't play with his children.

"All of a sudden he has this transplant and he's given a new lease of life."

Wrexham mum joins call for more organ donors - Evening Leader

2008-05-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

Wrexham mum joins call for more organ donors - Evening Leader click for full story
Published Date: 26 May 2008
By Laura Jones

THE MOTHER of a seriously ill baby has backed a new campaign which aims to bring fresh hope to people in need of organ donation.
The Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One campaign, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, was launched last week and aims to encourage people to join the organ donor register and give youngsters like 14-month-old baby Brooklyn Lloyd a fighting chance of long healthy life.

Mother Kelly Lloyd, from Pentre, near Wrexham, joined the register recently herself and is urging others to follow her lead.

Kelly, 24, has spent the past year caring for her sick daughter Brooklyn, who suffers from a rare and severe form of alpha-1 antitrypsin, an abnormal liver dysfunction that can progress to liver disease and liver failure.

The disease can lead to other complications such as emphysema and can prove fatal without a liver transplant, although Kelly has said that a transplant 'seems far too extreme to happen to such a young baby'.