Why donate

For people with life-threatening or serious illnesses, organ or tissue transplantation may mean a second chance at life, or an improved quality of life. One organ or tissue donor may save or enhance the lives of up to 30 people.

You can make a difference. Heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas are the organs that can be donated, and corneas (the clear pillow at the front of the eye), bones and heart valves are the tissues that can be donated.

Corneal transplants are used to restore sight to people who are partially or completely blind. A single eye tissue donor can help between two to four people.

Bone tissue transplants are used to help repair fractures, strengthen hip and knee joint replacements, and replace bone lost as a result of injury or tumour. Bone tissue transplants can also be used to repair curvatures of the spine (scoliosis) in children and teenagers.

Heart valves are used to repair congenital defects in young children and replace defective valves due to disease such as rheumatic fever, degeneration, and infection.

If you choose to register your intent to donate it is important to discuss your wishes with your family. After your death, consent is sought a second time from next of kin to confirm your wishes. If you are registered as a donor or have talked to your family about your wishes regarding donation, they are very likely to support your wish.