MORE than 150 people are waiting for an organ transplant in Notts. Here are just some of the stories of people who've saved lives or whose lives have been saved by organ donation...
In January, the Post ran a story on 52-year-old Carol Thomas, whose 10-year-old granddaughter Bayleigh was pleading with people to join the organ donor register. Carol needed a lung transplant after being diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a protein deficiency that can attack the healthy tissue of the lungs.
Last week, Carol and Bayleigh's dreams finally came true when Carol received new lungs.
Speaking from hospital in Newcastle, Carol's husband, Gary Thomas, 54, said: "She's doing really well and she's up and walking. I'm pleased that lots of people have put their name down on the register. We're at the other end of it and we really appreciate everything."
KEYWORTH soldier James Donaldson died in a motorbike accident at the age of 24 eight years ago.
Unbeknown to his parents, he had signed the register for all his organs to be donated to those in need. James's liver went to a 55-year-old man, a ten-year-old boy had one kidney, a 51-year-old woman had a second kidney and his pancreas, while a 28-year-old man received his heart. Inspired by this, his mother has campaigned with Nottingham University Hospitals to raise awareness of organ donation and is delighted the Be a Hero campaign has reached the 10,000 people mark.
She said: "James was a hero even in death. I have been watching this campaign from the very start.
"The impact has been remarkable and I am very proud to have been a part of it."
KAREN Hodgson says that not only did her heart transplant save her life, it also transformed her life.
The 49-year-old NHS worker from Ilkeston had her transplant nearly seven years ago and has since gone on to run the London Marathon.
"Having a heart transplant has completely changed my whole life and the quality of my life, never mind the fact that it saved my life," said Karen.
She's impressed that so many people in Notts have signed the register.
Karen said: "It shows that the campaign has got people to think about the benefits of organ donation. It's incredible and it really shows that raising awareness works. Having a heart transplant has completely changed my life."