You're not too old to donate.

MORE than half of people over 55 have written themselves off as potential organ donors as they believe they're too old or too ill.

In a study - commissioned by NHS Blood and Transplant - looking at the reasons why people aren't signed up to the Organ Donor Register, the over-55s were twice as likely as the rest of the population to say they didn't think they would qualify as suitable donors.

Organs need to be matched to recipients by blood group, age and size so there is always a need for a wide range of donors from all age groups and ethnicities.

Today more than 10,000 people in the UK are in need of a transplant, 1,000 of whom will die before receiving an organ - an average of three people dying each day.

Prof James Neuberger, Associate Medical Director at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "The belief that there is some sort of age limit on becoming an organ donor is a complete myth.

"Organs are successfully transplanted from people in their 70s and 80s.

"There are also very few illnesses that prevent someone from donating their organs after death - that's why we would encourage anyone who wants to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register to do so and ensure those close to them are aware of their wishes."

For more information about organ donation or to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register, call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk

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