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Thursday, March 5, 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY
ORGAN TRANSPLANTS: Opt-out system launches across England in May
Local woman urges families to discuss organ donation decision LAST MONTH, a Wokingham woman received a life-changing liver transplant. Now she is urging everyone to speak to their families about their decision to opt-in or out as the new law comes into effect.
Reflecting on the success of her operation, Emmbrook resident, Eloise Laurent is aware how difficult it is to find a donor. In just over two months time, the biggest change to organ donation in England will happen. As of Wednesday, May 20 an optout system will be in place, meaning that all adults will have agreed to be an organ donor when they die, unless they have recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups. Ms Laurent spoke to Wokingham.Today about her plans to raise awareness for organ donation and liver disease, after a successful transplant on Saturday, February 15. After being on the donor waiting list for three months, the 24-year-old received a call about a potential donation — for this she would have to travel to Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham. “You get a call in the middle of the night, the suitcases are always packed. I had three phone calls, so three trips to Birmingham before they found the right one,” said Ms Laurent. “The first was too big for me, the second time they didn’t have enough beds and the third was too fatty. “Once you arrive at the hospital you’re on a timer, the liver can only survive for so long without a body.” Ms Laurent began experiencing symptoms at just 16, but by the age of 24 her liver had stopped functioning properly. The only option was a transplant. “I had cryptogenic liver failure, so they don’t know what caused it.
“In 2019, I ended up at the Royal Berkshire Hospital because I had turned yellow, my body was shutting down,” she said. Talking about the new law, she said: “I don’t know why they didn’t introduce it earlier. They estimate it will save around 700-750 lives this year, at the moment it’s only 200-250 a year. It’s so difficult for people to get an organ donor, ethnic minorities always have shortages. “You’re given the gift of life. I called my new liver Denise, I got it during storm Dennis, so we called it Dennis but then we found out the donor was a woman. “She was around 70 and looked after herself, which just shows.” Even after the law changes, families will still be involved before any organ or tissue donation goes ahead. “I just want to make sure people talk to their families, it’s so important,” she said. “If they don’t know, you might not be able to donate. One person can save up to nine lives. I have a life now. I’m not yellow anymore. “When I’m better, I want to start fundraising and raising awareness for organ donation and liver disease.” Between 2018 and 2019, 21 people in Berkshire donated their organs for transplants after death. This resulted in 59 transplants. As of January, there were 333,290 people across Berkshire on the NHS Organ Donor Register. It is hoped that with the upcoming law change, more donors will be able to save more lives, after their own has ended. Anthony Clarkson, director of organ donation and transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The majority of people tell us that they support organ donation in principle, yet only around four in 10 have actually registered
Residents invited to Mayor’s charity ball WOKINGHAM Borough mayor is inviting residents to a charity ball later this month. Cllr Bill Soane will be holding a Spring Soiree on Saturday, March 28 at Billingbear Farm. Funds raised from the event will go to the mayor’s charity of the year, Debra UK — who support people with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). Attendees are invited to dress to impress, and will be treated to a glass of fizz on arrival. Tickets include a hog roast, or vegetarian option with evening entertainment
including a charity raffle, DJ and dance floor. Cllr Soane said: “I am very excited to be hosting a Spring Soirée in support of Debra UK. The charity works hard to support people who suffer with EB, a group of genetic skin conditions that cause skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. “The event will be great fun, not only is there a DJ, but delicious food and several excellent prizes up for grabs in our raffle.” The event will run from 7pm until 11.30pm, tickets cost £50 per person.
Eloise Laurent had a successful liver transplant last month, after multiple unsuccessful matches. Picture: courtesy of Eloise Laurent
their decision.” The law change is also being called Max and Keira’s Law — after Max Johnson, the 12-year-old heart recipient, who championed this law change, and his young donor, Keira Ball. Max said: “There are so many people who are waiting, just like I was, for the call to say that a suitable heart, kidney, lungs or liver has been found. “When you are waiting for a transplant, every day counts and I hope that everyone who hears about the law change will be reminded to speak to their family, so they know
what you want. “I am proud that when people speak about Max and Keira’s Law, they will be reminded to think of Keira, and I hope by remembering her in this way, that she will go on to help save even more lives than she already has.” In 2015, Wales adopted an opt-out organ donation system. Jersey introduced the system in July last year and this Autumn, Scotland will be doing so as well. To find out more, or to register your decision to opt-in or opt-out, visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 303 2094.
Antique valuation evening to support orphaned children in India TREASURED family antiques will be valued at a fundraiser for SalGO Assist, a charity that helps house orphans in India, writes Daisy Hanson.
An entry fee of £2.50 will go to the charity, which helps children in dangerous situations thrive by providing housing, support with school work, and safety. The Revd Clifford Smith and his recently deceased wife Patricia founded the charity which aims to support the lives of the most vulnerable children in Bapatla, India. One of the children the charity helped, Polamma, was living on the streets. With their support she was housed, enrolled in school, and went on to become a midwife. Three years ago the charity completed their biggest project to date, the building of the Pat Smith Girls Home, which has its own garden and outside
play area. The money raised at the antique event will be put towards their current projects, one of which is a new house building operation for families. The fundraiser is in collaboration with Martin & Pole, an estate agents and chartered surveyors business which also run auctions in Wokingham. The business will provide three antique valuers. There is a maximum of two antiques allowed per visitor, and after the valuing there is no obligation to sell on the antique. The event will be at the St Mary the Virgin church in Winnersh on Saturday, March 28, from 2pm. For more details visit SalGO Assist on Facebook.
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