A father whose daughter’s life was tragically cut short following a brain haemorrhage is urging more people to join the Organ Transplant Register.

Richard Spooner, of Church Road, Murston, launched the appeal after research carried out by the NHS Blood and Transplant Service revealed that almost everyone would accept a donated organ if they needed one, but only 27 per cent have joined the register.

As a charge nurse in intensive care at Medway Maritime Hospital, Mr Spooner has been involved with families on both sides of organ donations.

He said: “As part of my job I have been involved with approaching the families of those who may be eligible to donate their organs, and I have also been the relative that has been approached.

“My daughter Rachael sadly passed away in 2004 at the age of 24. For my wife and myself, it was a very simple decision to make as Rachael felt strongly about organ donation and she’d carried a donor card from the age of six.

“Knowing that we carried out Rachael’s wish gives us great comfort; as does knowing that her loss has given life to others.

“Almost all of us would accept a donated organ if we needed one, but less than a third carry a donor card. If you’re prepared to take, you should be prepared to give.

“People should talk about organ donation openly – if only they talked about it more they wouldn’t be afraid of it and a lot of good could come from a very sad situation. People need to make their wishes known by discussing them with their family, and they need to sign the Organ Transplant Register – it takes just two minutes. Two minutes to save a whole lifetime.”

Medway NHS Foundation Trust has set up an organ donation committee to encourage staff, patients and visitors to talk about organ donation and to make their wishes known by joining the Organ Transplant Register.

Dr David Simpson, consultant anaesthetist and clinical lead for organ donation at Medway Maritime Hospital, said: “Three people die needlessly each day in the UK because not enough of us are prepared to put ourselves forward as a potential organ donor.

“Our committee is working hard to encourage all of us to consider organ donation. We want the local community to think and talk about it so it isn’t considered 'unusual’ any more.”

If you would like to become an organ donor or would like more information, visit http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/