Organ Donation

Film competition to encourage public to pass on the message about organ donation

A short-film competition to raise the profile of organ donation in the UK is being launched by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).

The competition, 'Organ Donation Through a Lens' will mark the launch of National Transplant Week which runs from 9 to 15 July. The winning film will help encourage people to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register and crucially, make sure they pass on the message to their family and friends so their wishes are known.

Three people die every day whilst they wait for organs in the UK and just 30% of the UK population is currently signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).

Claudia Winkleman, Film 2012 presenter and supporter of NHSBT's film competition comments: "I'm thrilled to be supporting the launch of this year's National Transplant Week. Film can be a particularly emotive medium, and this competition is a great opportunity for amateur film-makers to make a difference to people's lives through film and inspire people to sign up to the ODR - and also to have that important conversation about it. I'm signed up to the ODR - you never know when you or a loved one may need an organ."

The competition is open to all amateur film makers from 23rd April to 18th May. The winning films will be announced at the start of this year's National Transplant Week in July. They'll also receive £1,000 worth of camera equipment to help them on their path to a successful film career.

Sally Johnson, NHSBT's Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation, added: "We hope that the 'Organ Donation Through a Lens' competition will result in powerful and moving films which will encourage sign up to the ODR, and just as importantly encourage donors to talk to their family and friends about their donation wishes.

"If you join the ODR tell the people closest to you. Otherwise, your wishes may come as a surprise at a time when they are trying to deal with their loss. This could affect their decision to proceed with a life-saving donation. To add your name to the ODR please call 0300 123 2323, text JOIN 84880 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk."

For more information and to enter NHSBT's 'Organ Donation Through A Lens' competition, simply email NTWfilmcompetition2012@redconsultancy.com or call 0207 025 6611 and you will be sent a briefing pack containing further information and guidance.

Don't forget to keep watching out on www.facebook.com/organdonationuk and follow us on twitter @NHSBT for more information about the 'Organ Donation Through A Lens' competition and this year's National Transplant Week.

For further information about National Transplant Week and the 'Organ Donation Through a Lens' competition, go to http://www.transplantweek.co.uk/.

Ends

For further information please contact Natalie Smith on 0207 025 6508/email natalie.smith@redconsultancy.com or contact the NHSBT Press Office on 0117 969 2444/email pressoffice@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Notes to editors

• To add your name to the NHS Organ Donor Register, please call 0300 123 2323, Text JOIN to 84880 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk.
• NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is a joint England and Wales Special Health Authority. Its remit includes the provision of a reliable, efficient supply of blood and associated services to the NHS in England and North Wales. It is also the organ donor organisation for the UK and is responsible for matching and allocating donated organs
• The NHS Organ Donor Register records the details of people who have registered their wishes to donate organs and/or tissue after their death for transplantation. After someone has died, this information is checked by authorised medical staff to establish whether a person wanted to donate
• Anyone can register on the NHS Organ Donor Register. Age is not a barrier to being an organ or tissue donor and neither are most medical conditions. People in their 70s and 80s have become organ donors and saved many lives. The oldest recorded cornea donor was 102 years old
• One donor can save or transform up to nine lives and many more can be helped through the donation of tissues
• Between April 2010 - March 2011, more than 7,300 organ and cornea transplants were carried out in the UK, thanks to the generosity of deceased and living donors - the highest on record.