The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has called on people to say 'yes' to donation and discuss their decision with loved ones during Organ Donation Week, highlighting the pressing demand for donors and saluting the extraordinary generosity of donor families whose decisions save and transform lives.

Dr George Gardiner, the Northern Trust's Executive Director of Medicine, said: "Organ donation can save and transform lives, but there continues to be a significant need for more donors. Every day there are people waiting for a transplant that could give them the chance of a longer, healthier life.

"During Organ Donation Week we want to encourage people to make their wishes known and, importantly, talk to their loved ones about their decision. Organ donation is only possible because of the generosity of donors and the support of families who make decisions at an incredibly difficult time."

Although Northern Ireland has an opt-out system, family support remains vital to ensuring donation proceeds. The Trust is urging people to record their decision and make sure those closest to them understand their wishes.

The life-changing impact of donation was centre stage at the Trust's recent Gift of Life Day, which brought together healthcare staff, transplant recipients, donor families and organ donation specialists to reflect, remember and celebrate the legacies created through donation. Among those sharing their story was 19-year-old Connie Taylor from Carrickfergus, who received a multi-organ transplant at just 13 months old. Now studying at Ulster University in Belfast, with passions including musical theatre and filmmaking, Connie says she is living life to the full thanks to one family's decision nearly two decades ago. She said: "I was born with a rare condition (with a name longer than the alphabet) that meant my digestive and urinary organs didn't have adequate muscle function. Upon diagnosis, I was subsequently put on the transplant waiting list.

"There was over a year of anxious waiting as my health continued to decline, but I received my transplant in 2008 in Birmingham Children's Hospital, when the right donor match was found just in time.

"I was lucky enough to receive a liver, stomach, pancreas and small bowel from a young boy who sadly passed away in an accident. His mother's brave decision to donate his organs saved not only my life but, I understand, at least three others. I am eternally grateful to both of them.

"I strongly encourage everyone and anyone to sign up for organ donation as you could give someone like me a second chance at life."

In the Northern Trust area last year, ten people donated their organs after death, leading to 26 transplants, including life-saving heart and lung procedures — offering hope and a second chance to individuals and families facing incredibly difficult circumstances.

Dr Gardiner added: "Every donor and every family who supports donation leaves an incredible legacy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helps give others the chance of a longer, healthier life."

As Organ Donation Week is marked across Northern Ireland, the Trust is encouraging everyone to register their choice on the NHS Organ Donor Register and to speak openly with family members about their wishes. For more information, and to confirm your registration, visit www.organdonationni.info or call 0300 123 23 23.