48 people in Cornwall are facing Christmas on the waiting list for an organ transplant. They join more than 6,000 people across the UK, including over 180 children, awaiting a life-saving gift.

Families in Cornwall are being urged to share their organ donation decision this festive season, so that their loved ones know what they want when they die and more patients can receive the transplants they need.

Nicola Hawkins, a 48-year-old mum from Polgooth waited 13 years for a second kidney transplant after her first one failed. She received a living donation from a stranger this year.

She said: ’I was on home dialysis and needled myself and spent four hours on my machine every other day. My donor was an anonymous altruistic donor, an amazing person, a real life changer and I don’t have the words to thank them enough.

’Organ donation saves lives and transforms lives, as a recipient twice over I will be forever grateful to my mum who gave me one of her kidneys when I was 21 and to my donor who gave me one of theirs whilst I’m 48 years of age.’

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: ’We are urging everyone to take a moment to think about the people who will spend their Christmas hoping for just one thing; a life saving organ transplant. Please let your family know what your organ donation decision is so that we can save more lives.’

From spring 2020 in England the law around organ donation is changing. All adults in Cornwall will be considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate, known as ‘opt out’, or are in one of groups not covered by the new organ donation law.

Families will still always be involved in organ donation, so it is vital that they know your choice.