Organ donation campaign

While 96% of us would accept an organ if we needed one, only 27% of us have joined the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).

Many of us (45%) have the best intentions to sign up to the ODR and commit to donate our organs for transplantation after our death, but just haven't got round to it.

While some people are still unclear about how to register, a significant proportion of us (17%) are ready to act now.  A further 19% need to involve their family in the decision.

Research also shows a disparity between those who think they've already signed up to be an organ donor - 35% as compared with the actual figure of 27% (16.5 million) on the ODR.

Over half of us (55%) would accept a lift without offering one in return; half (50%) would borrow books, but haven't lent their own.

This lack of reciprocity is echoed in our daily life, where we intend to follow through on our best intentions without getting round to it: 22% of us intend to volunteer, go to the gym (37%) and go on a diet (24%), but haven't done so yet.

Lynda Hamlyn, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant

"Many people have told us that they just need a nudge to motivate them to join the Organ Donor Register and commit to helping someone live after their death.  By focusing on the gap between the number of us who say we would accept an organ if we needed one and the number who have actually joined the Register, our campaign highlights the urgent need for those who believe in organ donation to act now.

More transplants were carried out last year than ever before, but the need for organs never stops.  If you believe in organ donation, please register today and let those closest to you know that you have done so."

Kieran Sandwell, who received a heart transplant in July 2009, having waited for over a year:

"Receiving a heart made the difference between life and death for me.  I believe that if you would be willing to take an organ, you should join the Organ Donor Register.  Please - do it today."