I am a passionate supporter of the NHS Organ Donor Register and the campaign for presumed consent. This means opting-out of being an organ donor rather than opting-in, as now.

For every three people who will benefit from an organ transplant, a fourth will die while waiting for a match to become available. More than 7000 will simply wait, enduring another year of restricted life. Put brutally, not enough people are dying who have healthy organs that they or their family are willing to donate.

During my Just 70 year I organised or took part in a variety activities to promote the NHS Organ donor Register. I especially enjoyed taking part in the Biker’s Easter Egg Run, clad in leathers and on the back of a bike. Afterwards I had an opportunity to talk to several hundred bikers about the Register and enabled a large number to sign on.

I also Wing Walked to promote the NHS Donor Register. Although it got a mention in the local paper, I did not achieve any more publicity or raise significant sponsorship. There is a limit on how many times a tried and tested circle of family, friend and acquaintances can be asked for their support!

I used a Skydive on World Kidney Day on 12 March 2009 as another attempt to promote the NHS Organ DOnor Register, This took place at Langar Airfield near Nottingham.

I suspect a Skydive is easier than a parachute jump and being strapped to an experienced skydiver certainly allayed any anxiety or nervousness. After free falling several thousand feet the parachute opens and the noise of rushing air is replaced by great quietness and there is time to admire the scenery. It looked much the same as coming in to land at Manchester Airport! I raised £785.

The NSKPA mounted an exhibition about the association and organ donation in Central Out Patients at the University Hospital on the same day. This raised £106 and elicited a lot of interest from patients and others passing by.

I didn’t get a photo of the skydive. It would have cost £75 and I thought the money could be better spent.

To find out more about organ donation and to join the NHD Organ Donor Register call the Organ Donor Line on 0845-60-60-400 or visit www.uktransplant.co.uk

Also, please read my Save5 Campaign blog here, which will tell you what you can do to get involved with organ donation.

National Kidney Federation www.kidney.org.uk