NINETY-FOUR people in Devon are facing Christmas on the waiting list for an organ transplant.

They join more than 6,000 people across the UK, including more than 180 children, awaiting a life-saving gift.

Families in Devon are being urged to share their organ donation decision this festive season, so that their loved ones know what they want when they die and more patients can receive the transplants they need.

There are currently 6,186 patients in need of an organ transplant in the UK, and 185 of them are children.

Anthony Clarkson, director of organ donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Christmas is an incredibly busy time of year, however away from the rush and bustle of preparing for the holiday it should also be a time for family and thinking of others.

“We are urging everyone in Devon to take a moment to think about the people who will spend their Christmas hoping for just one thing; a life saving organ transplant. Would you like to help if you could? If you needed a transplant, would you want someone to donate to you?

“Please let your family know what your organ donation decision is so that we can save more lives. Every precious organ donor allows more families to spend special times together.

“A quick chat can save lives, and we know that even at a time of grief families take enormous comfort and pride from their loved one’s donation.”

To find out more visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk, where people can also join the NHS Organ Donor Register, amend their details and more.