In 2009 just 33 people in Northamptonshire got the transplant they were waiting for.

We are highlighting seven cases of people in the county who have been affected by organ donation in some way.

Ian Norman, 40, of Finedon Road, Wellingborough, was a grateful recipient of a kidney in 2001.

He said: "As far as signing up goes, it is very important. And as far as changing people's lives goes, it has certainly changed my life.

"There are just not enough people on the register. To be honest, I don't think they realise they are giving someone a second chance at life.

"There are no words to describe just how grateful you are."

Millie Parsons, of The Hollies, Wellingborough, donated one of her kidneys to her husband, Gerry, in 2006.

She said: "I would be in favour because I don't think people realise how easy it is to give a kidney.

"It made a big difference to our lives. Before, if we were going out for a meal on the Saturday Gerry would have to rest for two days before. Now he is full of more energy than I am.

"If I was talking to them one-on-one I would explain just how easy it is. It is a very safe procedure."

Paul Davies, of Springfield Avenue, Thrapston, is set to donate a kidney to his son Jordan.

He said: "I would say sign on the dotted line. Don't just think about
it, go on and do it.

"People are saying to me that I'm really brave but I just feel like it is something that needs doing."

Adam Crizzle, of Kettering, lost his wife Jeanette to leukaemia in 2006 because a bone marrow donor couldn't be found. The trust he set up in her name aims to educate people about all kinds of donations.

He said: "It is an excellent idea. All of our research shows that the education programme is not working. It comes down to lack of awareness.

"It is not just for the benefit to the patient but the benefit to the country. If people are waiting for transplants it costs the taxpayer to care for them. If more people are on the register we would start to see those costs going down."

Mr Crizzle pointed to Government figures which show £190m a year is spent caring for 6,000 patients on kidney dialysis. If they all had a donor it would only cost £40m.

To join the register visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 2323.


Seven reasons to inspire you to join up

Ian Norman, of Wellingborough, who had a kidney transplant in 2001 has since gone on to become a gold medal swimmer in the Transplant Games.

Paul Davies, of Thrapston, who is about to donate his kidney to his 14-year-old son Jordan, which will hopefully change his life for the better.

Millie Parsons, of Wellingborough, who donated a kidney to her husband Gerry in 2006 and he now lives a full and active life.

Adam Crizzle, of Kettering, whose wife Jeanette died in 2006 while waiting for a bone marrow transplant. The trust he set up in her name pushes for education about organ donation.

Eve Richardson, of Raunds, who has raised thousands for charity after her son Philip had a kidney transplant.

Celia Coe, of Desborough, who donated a kidney to her husband David in 2008.

Justin Luckins, of Corby, who died in a road accident last year aged just 17, but saved three other lives by being on the organ donor register.