Become a blood and organ donor

Many men – and older men in particular – may be a little ashamed by new data released by NHS Organ Donation Register.

There are over 15.9 million people on the NHS Organ Donor Register but only 47% of them are men. The largest proportion of male registrants is in the 16-20 years age group. It's a shame because blood and organs are urgently needed by the NHS.

Some 7,000 donations are needed every day just to maintain stocks and ensure life-saving treatment for patients across the country. As for organs, almost 8,000 people are registered for a transplant, of whom about 1,000 will die while waiting.

Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman has signed up. 'Organ donation is an emotive subject,' he admits. 'It's not easy talking about your death or the death of those you love. But I would encourage everyone to think about organ donation and to share their wishes with loved ones.

'An additional step would be to join the NHS Organ Donor Register - I've done it. Joining takes very little time, costs nothing and gives someone else the potential of either an improved life or life itself.'

'Donation really does save lives', says Lynda Hamlyn, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant. 'Every time someone gives blood or adds their name to the Organ Donor Register, they are offering the possibility of transforming someone else's life and the lives of their families.

'If you are making resolutions for the year ahead, then please consider whether you could include making this gift of life part of your own intentions for 2009.'

If you've always thought about becoming a regular blood donor or signing up to the Organ Donor Register, but have never got around to it, this is a New Year's resolution worth making and it's easy to do – just click this link.