Organ Donation Week 2025: A Chance to Save Lives

Angelina Elliott
Sep 26
2 min read

This week marks Organ Donation Week 2025, a vital campaign led by NHS Blood and Transplant to raise awareness and encourage people across the UK to confirm their decision to become organ donors. With over 8,000 people—including 276 children—currently waiting for a life-saving transplant, your support has never been more important.

Two people smiling, promoting NHS organ donation. Text: "Most of us would accept an organ if we needed one." Visit organdonation.nhs.uk.

Why Organ Donation Matters

Organ donation transforms lives. In the past year alone, thanks to 2,394 generous donors, 4,583 people received the gift of life through organ transplants. Yet, heartbreakingly, more than 400 people died waiting for a transplant that never came.

Most of us would accept an organ if we needed one—but far fewer have taken the step to register as donors. You are more likely to need a transplant than to become a donor, which makes confirming your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register a powerful act of compassion and solidarity.

Addressing Inequality in Transplant Waiting Times

While more people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are receiving transplants than ever before, patients from these communities still face longer waiting times compared to White patients. Increasing donor registrations from diverse backgrounds is essential to improving equity in organ donation.

A single organ donor can save up to nine lives, and even more if they also donate tissue. Cornea donation, for example, can restore sight and dramatically improve quality of life. By registering, you’re not just making a decision—you’re offering hope to thousands.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to support Organ Donation Week:

Confirm your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register via organdonation.nhs.uk or the NHS Apps in England and Wales.
Share the campaign on social media using the hashtag #OrganDonationWeek.
Use your organisation’s internal and external channels—emails, newsletters, websites, and digital screens—to spread the message.
Light up your building pink to raise awareness and show support.

Your Choice Can Save Lives

If you’re unsure whether you’re registered, check via the NHS Apps. There’s no harm in registering again—it simply shows how committed you are to helping others. Confirming your decision is quick, easy, and could be the most meaningful thing you do today.

Let’s work together to give hope to the thousands waiting. Organ Donation Week is not just a campaign—it’s a call to action.

REMEMBER: Sickle Cell Awareness Month and the Importance of Blood Donation

It is also Sickle Cell Awareness month and blood donation is the best way that you can support that. This month serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the challenges faced by individuals living with this condition, as well as to promote initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life.

Individuals with sickle cell disease often experience severe anemia due to the destruction of their sickle-shaped red blood cells, which can lead to a range of health complications. These complications frequently necessitate blood transfusions, making the availability of donated blood critical for their treatment and overall well-being. By donating blood, you are not only contributing to the immediate needs of patients with sickle cell disease but also helping to ensure that blood banks are adequately stocked for emergencies.