This website uses cookies to improve functionality and performance. We sometimes share information on how people use our site with third parties, including social media websites for advertising and marketing purposes. By continuing to browse the site or clicking “I accept cookies”, you agree to our use of cookies. You can manage or remove cookie settings and find further information by visiting our cookie information page.
Hi there, we see you're using OS, why not try our app?
Download
Register
Skip to main content

Tell your family and friends


Organ donation is an amazingly generous act and saves thousands of lives in the UK every year. However, this relies on donors and their families agreeing to donate.

Take time to talk about organ donation

Many people don’t realise that their family’s support is needed for organ donation to go ahead. So, take time to talk to your family about it.

Fewer than half of families agree to donation going ahead if they are unaware of their loved one’s decision to be a donor. This rises to over nine out of 10 when the decision to be an organ donor is known.

Take time to discuss your decision with them and ask them if they want to be donors too. Don’t leave it too late to talk about organ donation.

Let's talk about it

We asked people what they talk to their family about, and what is off limits! One thing we should all be talking about is organ donation.

It doesn't have to be a difficult conversation

An image of Gemma and her three sons, smiling
Gemma, with baby Teddy, talked to her sons Jacob and Zach about organ donation

Read Gemma's story

It's quite exciting explaining how you can help other people. It's like you will have a legacy when you’re gone and you’re giving someone else the gift of life.

Mum-of-three Gemma, who talked to her sons about being organ donors

Get the facts

There are a lot of myths about organ donation.

Make sure your family and friends know the facts.

Hugs: Freddie and Louie's story

7-year-old Louie shares what organ donation has meant to him and his younger brother Freddie.

Hilaria's story

Hilaria talks about her 10-year battle with kidney disease and how an organ donor transformed her life.

If you want to save lives, please register to be a donor. It only takes two minutes to sign up and join the millions of others who are already on the NHS Organ Donor Register.


You may also be interested in


How to discuss your decision
Organ donation and your beliefs
Organ donation and ethnicity