Shropshire transplant patient in appeal for people to join organ donor register

Charlie Smith was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2010, a condition in which the lungs become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult.

Mr Smith, 60, from Higher Heath, near Whitchurch, used to be active and in 1998 travelled to Mongolia on a trip of a lifetime to find The Lost City.

But since then he has had to give up his job as a plumber and handyman after suffering with shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough and tiredness.

He said his condition has slowly worsened and he is awaiting a lung transplant.

• It is easy to be an organ donor. The best way is to add your name to the Organ Donor Register

• You can also carry a donor card and make known to relatives that you are happy to be a donor in the event of your death

• You can join the register online and find out more information at organdonation.nhs.uk

• You can also call 0300 123 23 23 for more details

Mr Smith was admitted to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on July 21 and is currently being treated for a lung infection.

He said: "I do not know how I got the disease as I have never smoked and like to keep fit and healthy.

"My condition is deteriorating and I now struggle to walk because of my shortage of breath.

"Both my lungs are deteriorating badly and are beyond repair.

"I would urge people to think about organ donation as you could save a life."

The trust which controls RSH and Telford's Princess Royal Hospital is among the best in the country at referring potential donors for organ donation.

In 2015/16, every single potential donor at SaTH was referred for consideration for organ donation – making the trust's figures the best in the Midlands. There are currently 6,552 people on the waiting list for a transplant in the UK, and due to the increased number of referrals 1,073 people have received transplants since April 1 this year.

In Wales the law recently changed to assume that people who die do not object to their organs being donated, unless they make it clear their objections on an opt-out register.

But in England the emphasis is still on the individual to opt in by adding their name to the Donor Register.

Fiona Deakin, clinical nurse specialist for organ donation in Shropshire, said: "Unfortunately, every year about 1,000 people die waiting for a transplant in the UK because of a shortage of organs.

"I cannot stress just how important it is for people to make sure they have had the organ donation conversation at home and let their loved ones know what their decision is.

"The choice to become an organ donor is a very personal one and we shouldn't be afraid to talk about these things with our families, in fact we need to make sure we do.

"This will make a very difficult decision much easier for them at a very stressful time, and also potentially give the gift of life to others.

"Although there is a very small amount of patients that are ever in a position to become an organ donor, anyone who dies has the potential to donate tissue which whilst not being life-saving, is life enhancing and can make such a difference to someone's quality of life."

The Shropshire hospital trust is currently working in partnership with the Wolverhampton School of Art to commission a memorial for past organ donors and their families.

This will take the form of a competition and will commence later this year.