ORGAN Donation Week takes place from Monday 19th to Sunday, 25th September. The theme this year is Go pink for Organ Donation Week.

The idea is that people are asked to go pink for the week!

Whether you bake a pink cake, wear pink socks, paint a pink unicorn or drink a pink drink, NHS Organ Donation want to see what you get up to, and have asked anyone who is involved to use #organdonation and tag @nhsorgandonor when promoting your efforts.

GAA clubs can easily get involved. Visit https:www.organdonation.nhs.uk
get-involvednewsplanning-underway-for-organ-donation-week for more information and ideas.

Did you know that a wee chat and two minutes of your time can save lives?

By signing the Organ Donor Register and then having a chat with those close to you could mean the gift of life for up to nine people.

That’s an unbelievable gift.

Organ donation saves and transforms thousands of lives each year for patients awaiting a transplant, as well as their family and friends.

But what exactly is organ donation?

Organ donation is when one person chooses to give an organ to save or improve the life of someone who needs a transplant.

You are able to donate some organs while you are alive, for example a kidney, or part of your liver.

However, most organ and tissue donations will come from people who have died.

Many people don’t know that anyone can register to donate their organs when they die, regardless of their age or medical conditions.

Here in the north of Ireland, we have very positive attitudes when it comes to organ donation, with almost a million people (49%) having joined the NHS Organ Donor Register, and many more (nine out of 10 people) who support organ donation.

But unfortunately, there are around 115 people on the transplant waiting list in the north of Ireland, and sadly each year around 10-15 people die awaiting their organ transplant and their gift of life. Many patients describe waiting for a transplant as being in limbo, existing and not living.

For those who have donated and their families who have supported their decision, there is a deep sense of gratitude for the selfless act of organ donation.

Many families find a great sense of comfort and pride in organ donation, knowing that their loved one has gone to save other lives.

And when families have had a conversation about organ donation during good times, it makes things much easier for them during a very sad and difficult time.

With all of this in mind, families and friends are being encouraged to talk about organ donation, to sign the Organ Donation Register, and to share their decisions to help save more lives.

Talking to your loved ones about organ donation can help them to understand and support your decision, and whether you choose to be an organ donor or not, your loved ones will be asked to support the decision you record on the Organ Donor Register.

Find out more at www.organdonationni.info; or for Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal visit https:ika.ieget-a-donor-card