A TRANSPLANT recipient is stepping up efforts to get people thinking about organ donation. 
Lucy Ryan, who is from Winterslow, is continuing to gather signatures on an online petition calling for the organ donation system to be reformed and follow Wales in introducing a opt out system. 
The 26-year-old had a heart transplant a month before her third birthday. 
The soft opt out option for organ and tissue donation came into force in Wales in December. This means people are automatically signed up to the donor register unless they choose to opt out.
Figures following the soft opt out system launched in Wales shows of the 60 organs transplanted between December and June, half came from people whose consent had been deemed. 
"This is very encouraging especially as the system is only in its infancy, but hopefully it will show those who are still undecided about the opt out system in the rest of the UK why it is worthwhile," said Lucy. 
"It is worth the change even if it only saves one extra life as you cannot put a price on what that means to the recipient and their family."
With the support of The Body Lounge, Lucy has produced hard copies of the petition with fact sheets, which she will be distributing around the city. This she hopes will help spread the message and boost support for her petition. 
Lucy added: "I'm hoping to get more signatures and see where it goes. It might encourage people to talk about it."
To sign the online petition, which has got more than 2,200 signatures, go to goo.gl/NPG7y6. 
Any businesses, organisations or individuals interested in supporting Lucy by having the petition packs is urged to get in touch with her by emailing optoutcampaign@gmail.com

  • Lucy will be joining other transplant recipients to compete in the British Transplant Games in Liverpool. She will be competing in archery, the long jump and 3km walk.