So, the NHS. National treasure. Needs to be fought for. I have often left a Lenten heart somewhere near here - the back of Homerton Hospital where the phalanx of bikes lines the blossom avenue which gives garden refuge to those recovering, supporting, working. When I walked through recently I realised I hadn't left a 2017 heart here. So, this is rectified today. And connects with yesterday.
Because really the reason the two families agreed to have their story told so publicly is because they both want to challenge others to sign the organ donor register. At present Wales is the only nation in the UK with an 'opt out' register. This means that if you die elsewhere in the UK your organs can only be used if you've signed the organ donor register or if your family agree to it after your death. Campaigners are calling for all in the UK to be assumed to be opting in to donating their organs, unless they opt out (as in Wales). This would massively increase the amount of organs available for transplant and mean less people die for the want of a donated organ.
As Sue says to Cole when she first met him: If it was your sister, son, mum who needed a transplant, wouldn't you want them to have it? And if so, why would you want to deny others that same thing?
Transplants are one of the most complex, difficult and expensive procedures the NHS does. The UK is a world leader. I am in awe of those working in it in whatever capacity and dearly wish successive governments would stop slashing it up and selling it off. And while we wait for the law to be changed, I have been challenged to think about organ donation, and to think about signing that register.
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