FAMILIES are being urged to talk about organ donation.

New figures show that 14 people from Shropshire have died waiting for a transplant in the last five years.

During Organ Donation Week, NHS Blood and Transplant is now urging more people in the county to tell their families that they want to be donors.

Anthony Clarkson, interim director of organ donation and transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “It’s tragic that so many people from Shropshire have died waiting for a transplant – what is shocking is that many of those lives could have been saved, had more families agreed to donate organs.

“People are dying every day because some families are not talking about donation. We need more families in Shropshire to say yes to organ donation, so that more lives can be saved.”

Last year, 38 Shropshire residents' lives were saved by a transplant.

Councils and organisations around the country are this week lighting prominent buildings pink -which is the colour of the modern donor card, to support the donation campaign.

Mr Clarkson added: “We all know that organ donation legislation will change to a deemed consent system in England and Scotland in future years but the harsh fact is people are dying right now waiting for an organ and it will still be important for people to know your decision.

“We don’t want people to die because of a fatal complacency that because you know you want to be an organ donor you presume your loved ones know it too.

“Please, let your family know your decision and ask them if they want to be donors. Don’t leave your family guessing what you would have wanted to happen.

“We know that many families feel enormous pride and comfort at knowing that their relative went on to save lives through the gift of organ donation.”

To register as a donor, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk