Organ Donation Week 2023
Monday, September 18 marks the start of Organ Donation Week, and there are lots of activities going on to mark this very special campaign.
Last week, the Countess was privileged to welcome organ donation ambassador Emma Johnson who delivered an emotional talk to staff about her son Max’s organ donation experience.
Max made headlines across the UK in 2017 as the face of a national media campaign that introduced an opt-out system for organ donation.
Diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy at just eight years old, Max spent 206 days in hospital on the urgent transplant list before being given the gift of life in the form of a heart transplant from the family of nine-year-old Keira Ball who died in a car accident.
In 2018 when the government changed the law, it was named Max and Keira’s Law.
We are so grateful to Emma for giving such a powerful talk and sharing her experience with us.
Meanwhile, some of our governors have been raising awareness by hosting an Organ Donation awareness stand in the hospital.
Caroline Stein, Chair of the Organ Donation Committee, and Ruth Overington were on hand to give advice on organ donation and answer any questions from passers-by, and a number of hampers containing small treats and information about organ donation were also delivered to various wards.
Caroline said: “Our main message this year is to remind people they need to ensure their nearest and dearest know what your wishes are after death.
"It is so important to have that talk with family members and to be aware of what you want to happen to your organs. Having that conversation is vital.”
Caroline and Ruth are also encouraging people to join the Race for Recipients challenge which runs up until September 24. Anyone can register and record any distances you do by walking, running, swimming, cycling or any other means. Simply select COCH as your team and the North West as the region.
Caroline said: “Last year, the first, CoCH did fantastically well for a medium sized Trust. This year we want to do even better. Please get involved and show your support, even if it’s just a few kilometres!” You can join here: https://raceforrecipients.com/.
