Give more than your heart away

LOTS of people will be promising their heart to loved ones this Valentine&#039s Day? but Co-op pharmacies are encouraging people to give other organs as well. Co-operative Group...

LOTS of people will be promising their heart to loved ones this Valentine&#039s Day? but Co-op pharmacies are encouraging people to give other organs as well.
Co-operative Group Pharmacy (CGP) branches are giving away the UK&#039s first ever organ donor Valentine&#039s card (pictured).
The card, produced by CGP in conjunction with UK Transplant, asks people to "give someone the ultimate gift this Valentine&#039s Day ? the gift of life".
Included with the card and envelope is all the information needed to join the NHS Organ Donor Register, which is marking its 10th anniversary this year.
Rosie Winterton, Minister of State for Health who is helping launch the card at a Co-op Pharmacy in Southampton, said: "I&#039d like to congratulate the Co-op on this initiative, which raises awareness of this very important issue. There is still a shortage of organs available and over 6,000 people are currently on the national list awaiting a transplant. I urge people to think about this important issue and tell their family and friends that they would like to help others to live after their death and join the NHS Organ Donor Register."
CGP general manager John Makepeace said: "This is a time of year when people are giving their hearts to loved ones. So it&#039s an apt time for people to consider giving the most precious gift of all ? the chance for someone else to live. Our cards allow people to do both.
"Transplants save lives, but unless sufficient people join the NHS Organ Donor Register people will die for the want of a donated organ. The gift of life really is the most precious gift you can give this Valentine&#039s Day."
Sue Sutherland, NHS UK Transplant Chief Executive, said: "Transplants work. They save the life of an individual and improve the quality of life for their whole family. We know that the majority of people support organ donation and expect to see NHS organ donor registration forms in their local chemist.
"Co-op pharmacies are to be congratulated for encouraging their customers to both think about organ donation and take action to register their wishes. This will inevitably lead to the opportunity to save more lives."
Special organ donor Valentine&#039s cards are available free in Co-operative Group Pharmacies across the UK while stocks last. To find your nearest branch visit: www.co-oppharmacy.co.uk

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