Celebrating the gift of life at Ely Cathedral

More than a thousand people from across East Anglia are expected at Ely Cathedral this Sunday for a service that will bring together the families of people who donated organs after their death, and those whose lives have been transformed by receiving a transplant.

Since the last transplant memorial service in 2007, 120 people from the area have donated organs after their death. Each of these donations has contributed to the transplant work at Addenbrooke’s and Papworth, with 251 kidney, 125 liver and 98 cardiothoracic transplants in that period.

None of these would have been possible without the courage and generosity of donors and their families. Sunday will be a day to remember those who have donated – but it is also an opportunity to celebrate the lives that have been saved and transformed through transplantation.

The event has been organised by the transplant team at Addenbrooke’s and Papworth. Jo Redfarn, one of the transplant co-ordinators, said: “Transplants are a miracle of modern medicine. They are the best possible treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure. Organ donations have saved thousands of lives, but we always need more people to sign up to donate. Organ donation is the gift of life. If you are interested in becoming a donor, talk it through with your family to let them know your wishes and sign the Organ Donor Register.

“A wealth of support and advice is available at www.uktransplant.org.uk or sign up by calling the Organ Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23.”