Norwich woman’s organ donor campaign given a boost
A widow's campaign to encourage more people to donate their organs has been given a boost after winning the backing of a Norwich MP.
Suzie Reeves, 40, from Russet Grove in Earlham, Norwich, launched her campaign after she lost her husband Michael last summer. She had not known her husband was a donor until his death but his two kidneys have since helped save two lives.
Now, Norwich South MP Simon Wright has vowed to lobby on Mrs Reeves' behalf and has signed up to the organ donor register himself.
Mrs Reeves, who wrote a letter to Mr Wright, said: 'It's very encouraging that a member of parliament is getting involved in the campaign. The idea of the campaign is to raise awareness and save lives and I'm very pleased that this is of interest to Simon Wright.'
Mr Reeves, a tree surgeon, died from a heart attack in hospital in Cambridgeshire on August 2 last year. His kidneys have since been donated to a man and a woman who have undergone transplant operations and are now both recovering well.
You may also want to watch:
Mr Wright, left, said: 'There's a real need for more people to include themselves on the organ donor register. I've written to the health secretary to find out what measures are being put in place to encourage more organ donations and have tabled a series of parliamentary questions to get statistics of needs and the number of people on the register in Norfolk.
'On a personal note, I have signed up myself on the NHS website – it's a very simple process and I would urge everybody to give this strong consideration because this can make a real difference in saving lives.'
Most Read
- 1 Norfolk's first mass Covid vaccination centre to open in food court
- 2 In photos: Norwich transformed but deserted in lockdown snowfall
- 3 Are you in our Norfolk school photos from the 1970s?
- 4 Jailed in Norfolk: Burglars, domestic abuse and threats to kill
- 5 Drag Race star kicks off BBC show stint with Norwich City theme
- 6 Pizza and Yorkshire pudding wrap takeaway opening in Norwich
- 7 Londoners fined for travelling to stay at second home in Norfolk
- 8 Drivers face non-essential travel fines after spate of snow crashes
- 9 'Village would be worse without it' - Owner on plans for 17th century pub
- 10 Staff lose jobs at retailer Outfit with plans to close permanently
According to figures from NHS Blood and Transplant, three people will die waiting for an organ transplant every day but only 28pc of us have joined the organ donor register.
Anyone who wants to join the organ donor register, should go to www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.
Have you got an uplifting story for the Evening News? Ring reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk