WE asked you to play your part and you didn’t let us down.

Just three weeks after the Daily Echo launched its campaign to add 2,000 new names to the register of those who have agreed to donate organs, we have smashed our target.

By this week the number of additional signatories now stands at 3,642.

What a tremendous response to our support for the Seven Weeks To Say I Donate campaign organised by the NHS.

We cannot say we are surprised.

We always knew that a combination of the power of the local press and the wonderful support always provided by the people of Hampshire would bring support for this worthy cause.

Of course we do not have to stop here.

There is no limit to the number of people who can register to donate – and then, most importantly, tell their relatives of their decisions.

Although our target has been achieved then, we still urge everyone to think hard about registering to donate and sitting down with loved ones to explain why they believe others should benefit from a gift of life once they have moved on.

Death is something few of us contemplate until the end of our lives draws near, yet it is only by making this simple gesture that we can ensure that so many people will have a longer, more fulfilling life when we are no longer here.