Family backs NHS' new Leave Them Certain organ donation campaign

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The NHS has just launched a new campaign urging families to talk about organ donation.

Called ‘Leave Them Certain’, the new awareness campaign, which is aimed at encouraging families to have conversations about becoming donors.

Having those difficult conversations certainly helped the family of Billy Gradwell-Smith. the 18-year-old died from a brain haemorrhage four years years ago. But the teenager had previously spoken to his parents about wanting to donate his organs.

And his parents say it was so much easier to come to terms with their son's death having known his wishes.

Billy's mum: The situation could have been 10 times worse Credit: ITV News

Organ donation changed to an opt-out system in the UK last year but many people don’t realise family members will still be involved in decisions before organ donation goes ahead.

Nine out of 10 families support donation when they know it is what their loved one wanted, however this falls to just 5 pout of ten when they aren’t sure. That means hundreds of opportunities for life-saving transplants are missed because families aren't sure what to do.

Billy Gradwell-Smith had discussed his wishes with his parents

Trevor and Jane Gradwell-Smith, who live in Luton, had talked about organ donation when Billy filled in his driving licence application. He ended up saving the lives of three other people thanks to the donation of his kidneys and liver after his death.

Around 3,000 people are currently waiting for a transplant in the UK. In the last year alone 2,500 have received a transplant.

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Backing the new campaign is Dr Sarah Jarvis, she said that organ donation was the ultimate gift - but it was vital for families to understand the wishes of their loved ones in order to save lives and minimise the pain of making those decisions.

Steven Featley who lives in Stoke Ash in Suffolk was born with liver disease and has had six transplants throughout his life.

Steven Featley has had six transplant operations

"Every time you get a transplant that's someone who's passed away, there's always a family that's ended up losing someone and you feel that in a way and your heart goes out to them but also your heart is so thankful for them donating that and giving you a chance to live and when you get that news that you've got a transplant it's just one of the greatest feelings in the world."

How can I become an organ donor?