Happy New Year �
A little bit belated but HAPPY NEW YEAR �� to you all!
I’m sorry I haven’t posted in a while and apologies it’s a bit of a long update but hopefully worth the read!
Just before Christmas Max’s Law was renamed “Max & Keira’s Law” after Max requested his donors name be added. Keira Ball died in a car crash aged just 9 years-old in July 2017. Her family decided to donate her organs. Thanks to their generousity 8 year-old Max Johnson who was featured on BBC’s “A Chance to Live” and was waiting for a heart in the Freeman hospital in Newcastle received Keira’s heart and a year and a half on is very well. He’s also won the Pride of Britain award for his campaign to change from the current Opt in system to the Opt Out organ and tissue donation system in England. In short Max is a marvel. Definitely worth watching him receive his award:
So when’s the law actually coming into force?
Well, two unelected lords requested some minor amendments and had it not been for this minor thing called Brexit, that seems to have slightly distracted MPs, it would’ve received Royal assent and become law this January. But hopefully it’ll receive this soon!
During this time as many of you may have heard despite a desperate appeal for a heart donor heartbreakingly three-week old baby Carter Cookson has died. He didn’t receive his heart in time. My thoughts are with Carter’s family at this unimaginably difficult time.
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-england-tyne-46946032
The Opt Out system will not by any means wipe out the transplant waiting list but with the £20 million being poured into publicity for the change I’d hope everyone will soon be aware it’s happening and be able to take on board information, and educate others so they can make an informed decision about whether they’d wish to be a donor and how much someone can benefit from a donor.
In the meantime please spread the word. And please please please still continue to sign up to the current organ & tissue donation register. As I know too well transplantation could affect any of us - you never know what tomorrow holds:
https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-to-donate/register-your-details/
For those of you who’ve supported my campaign from day one I cannot thank you enough for the unwavering encouragement. Not long now.
Kindest regards
Lucy ��