The Western Health and Social Care Trust is urging people across its area to make their organ donation wishes known and to discuss them with loved ones during Organ Donation Awareness Week 2026, which runs from 21 to 27 September.

With more than 8,000 people across the UK currently waiting for a transplant—the highest figure on record—the Trust warns that lives are still being lost because individuals have not recorded or communicated their donation decisions, despite the continuing generosity of donors and their families.

This year's campaign also remembers the late Dr Tom Frawley, former Chair of the Trust's Organ Donation Committee, a tireless advocate who worked to raise awareness of the life-changing impact of donation on patients and families.

Under Dr Frawley's leadership, the Trust strengthened its commitment to organ donation, ensuring families were supported through the process and that as many people as possible could benefit from this extraordinary gift.

Mr Brian Telford, Chair of the Western Trust Organ Donation Committee and Vice Chair of the Western Trust, said: "Dr Tom Frawley was an outstanding champion for organ donation and transplantation. He had an unwavering belief in the difference organ donation can make and was passionate about encouraging people to have conversations with their families about their wishes.

"As we mark Organ Donation Awareness Week, it is fitting that we remember Tom's significant contribution and continue the work that meant so much to him.

"Every organ donor has the potential to transform multiple lives. While many people support organ donation, too many have not yet made their decision known. One of the most important things anyone can do is to record their decision and talk to their loved ones about it. "Families are much more likely to support organ donation when they know what their relative wanted. A simple conversation today could help save lives in the future.”

"Research shows that when families are certain of a loved one’s donation decision, they support organ donation in the vast majority of cases. However, when wishes are unknown, consent rates are significantly lower.

"The Trust is encouraging everyone to take a few minutes to register their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and share it with those closest to them – leave them certain of your wishes.

"This week we are asking people to reflect on that and ask themselves a simple question: have I made my own decision clear? By doing so, you could one day help save or transform the lives of others.

Dr Michelle Fallon, Clinical Lead for Organ Donation at the Western Trust, added: "Many people do not realise that only around one per cent of people will ever be in a position to become an organ donor after their death, as donation can only happen in very specific circumstances.

"That makes every potential donation incredibly precious and is why it is so important that opportunities are not missed because families are unaware of their loved one’s wishes.

"Families are always involved in organ donation discussions and knowing what their relative wanted can make an incredibly difficult decision much easier. Research shows that 90% of families support organ donation when they are certain of a loved one's decision, but this falls to just 50% when they are unsure.

"Adding your name to the NHS Organ Donor Register and having a conversation with your family can make all the difference. The choice is yours, but whatever your decision, please make it known.

"Most people would accept an organ transplant if it could save their life or the life of someone they love. This Organ Donation Awareness Week, we are encouraging everyone to take a few minutes to record their decision and talk to those closest to them. That simple action could one day help save or transform lives."