LAST YEAR, almost 500 people died while waiting for a life-saving transplant. The Daily Echo is launching its Save a Life campaign in association with UK Transplant to get more people to sign up to the organ donor register.

Across Hampshire, there are hundreds of people just like Neil Crouch who are waiting for a vital transplant, and more people are needed to join the register in order for thousands of lives to be saved.

Maxine Walter, UK Transplant acting director of communications, said: "We are delighted the Southern Daily Echo has launched a campaign encouraging its readers to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).

"The ODR is the lifeline that offers hope to the thousands of people waiting for a transplant in the UK. More than 163,000 people from Southampton and the surrounding area have already signed up to the register, which is wonderful news, but, unfortunately, there is still a desperate shortage of organ donors.

"Nearly 500 people died waiting for a transplant last year, while more than 8,000 people need an organ transplant. The Daily Echo's campaign will not only help encourage more people to pledge the gift of life, but also send a message of support to the thousands of people whose survival depends upon the generosity of others."

Organ donor supporters have been campaigning to make the option of becoming a donor easier and, as from September 1, 2006, the wishes of people who want to donate organs after their death were given legal precedence.

Under the Human Tissue Act 2004, relatives no longer have the legal right to overrule a loved one's wish to donate organs or tissue, offering new hope to the thousands of people who need an organ transplant. Last year, 2,794 people received a life-saving or life-enhancing organ transplant in the UK and 2,195 were from 764 people who became organ donors after their death.

The Daily Echo Save a Life campaign is hoping more people will join the register and become lifesavers after their death.