19 May 2023 , 17:33
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Hundreds of lives could be saved every year thanks to Max and Keira’s Law, which came into force three years ago today.
When the Mirror began our Change the Law for Life campaign in 2016, there were 22.5million people on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Now there are more than 30m, around 46% of the total UK population.
A total of 28m are prepared to be organ donors – a rise of 5.5m.
Max Johnson, 15, received a lifesaving heart transplant when he was nine. He led our call for a new law in England so people are assumed to be donors when they die, rather than ‘opting in’ by carrying a donor card.
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The Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill was named Max and Keira’s Law in honour of Max and his heart donor Keira Ball, a nine-year-old who died in a car accident in 2017.
Max led our call for a new law in England (Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)
Keira Ball's heart helped Max to live after she died in car accident at the age of nine (Daily Mirror)It was approved by the late Queen in 2019 and came into force on May 20, 2020. Max’s mum Emma said: “Even if it saves just one life, it will be worth it.”
Experts believe it will go on to save or transform around 700 people every year.
And they paid tribute to the courage of Keira’s family for making the decision to donate her organs, saving four lives, including Max’s. Then-Prime Minister Theresa May was inspired to change the law by our front page in which the schoolboy asked: ‘Why would you waste your organs when you die?’
Keira’s mum Loanna, 38, of Barnstaple, Devon, described news of millions more donors signing the register as “awesome”.
“Wow, what a difference,” she added. “This should have come into force so many years ago. Many more lives could have been saved.
“My daughter is a true legend and has made such an impact in this world. Keira’s legacy will be here forever.”
Max’s mum Emma, 52, of Winsford, Cheshire, said: “Whilst Max has some post-transplant personal challenges, he continues to thrive, powered by Keira’s gift.”
Since the law changed, there have been 3,455 deceased organ donors in England. Of these, 1,058 were assumed to be willing under the new law.
An NHS spokesman said: “It is important people confirm their support for donation – it ensures they leave their family in no doubt of what they want.”
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* Confirm your wishes at www.organdonation.nhs.uk