Six Croydon residents have died in 2017 while waiting for an organ donation that never came.

At the moment, 77 people from the borough are waiting for organ donations (mainly liver, cornea and kidney transplants).

In light of this, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust is urging more people to register as organ donors and to tell a family member about their decision.

Consultant anaesthetist and medical lead on organ donations at Croydon's NHS Trust Dr Mohammad Butt said: “It is hard to imagine a more helpless situation than waiting and hoping for an organ donation.

"Thousands of people are in that situation right now and many live here in Croydon – some under my care.

“It would be wonderful if most people registered as organ donors and this ought to be possible. It only takes one moment - plus a few more to ensure a close relative knows your wishes. A few words can make an extraordinary difference.

“It is something to be proud of and, for loved-ones, it can be a huge comfort to know that someone’s passing could help another person live.”

The Trust’s call to action comes during Organ Donation Week 2017 (4-10 September).

The proportion of Croydon residents who have joined the UK Organ Donor Register has climbed to 36 per cent (103,798), equalling the national average.

However, demand for transplants still exceeds supply in Croydon.

Anyone can register as an organ donor by visiting www.organdonation.nhs.uk/