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

(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.