Council Goes Pink for Organ Donation Awareness

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council held a staff information event on organ donor awareness, as part of organ donation week, which took place from 3-9 September 2018. The event, hosted by the Chairman of the Council, Councillor Mark Murnin, was held on Thursday, 6 September 2018, in the Council offices, Newry. Staff were encouraged to show their support by wearing pink and all shades and hues were on display.

Councillor Murnin said: “I was delighted to host an information event to encourage staff and all members of the public to sign up to become organ donors.

“Organ donation is something I care passionately about and I am keen to publicise this campaign. I very much welcome the opportunity to give my support, as First Citizen of the district, to the organ donation campaign. 

“As part of our support for this campaign, we also have taken the opportunity to light the historic Newry Town Hall in pink. I hope that seeing the Town Hall lit up in such a striking way will make people stop and think of the importance of organ donation and encourage many to sign the register.”

A representative from Southern Area Trust spoke to staff about registering to be a donor. The message portrayed was clear—tick and tell. People should tick “yes” to be an organ donor and talk about their wishes with family and friends so their close family is aware of their desire to be an organ donor.

Over 200 people in the North of Ireland are currently waiting on organ donation, while last year 15 died waiting for an organ. 

Photo captions:

Photo 1:Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Councillor Mark Murnin, with members of the Council staff and Edel Livingstone, Specialist Nurse Organ Donation, Southern Trust, supporting awareness of National Organ Donation Week. Save Lives-Share your Wishes with your family.

Photo 2: Newry City Hall lights up 'In the Pink' to support National Organ Donation Week, 3 to 9 September 2018. This year people are being encouraging not only to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register but to also talk about organ donation with their families. Most people support organ donation but a family’s support is needed, so that organ donation can go ahead. Help Save Lives.Make Believe