ORGAN donation saves hundreds of lives each year, but few people go to the trouble of actually carrying a donor card. Michelle Fleming looks at the issue and spoke to one mother who wants a change in the law.

"Out of tragedy comes happiness."

Those were the brave words of Lesley Tibbey after meeting the man who received the heart of her young son.

Steven Tibbey, aged 23, died in a car crash in Bourne End a year ago. it was his wish to make a difference after his death.

One of the four people he helped was John Fisher, who was given a life-saving operation, thanks to Steven carrying a donor card.

Steven's family met John after seeing him being interviewed on television about his experience. For Lesley, meeting John was a wonderful experience as she could see the man given the gift of life by her son.

Lesley said: "Steven died anyway but without his organs all these other people would probably not have made it. They have had their lives through my son and that is such a reward."

She would like to see a change in the law to fall in line with other countries in Europe where if you do not want your organs taken for donation, you must carry a card which says so.

Lesley added: "So many people just forget to sign up but if it was done so people sign a register if they don't want to donate, then there would be a whole lot more available. It is hard for people to decide just after the loss of someone close whatever the circumstances. Presumed donation should be brought in here."

Although this story has a happy ending in one sense, this year will see thousands of less fortunate families grieving for a loved one who died waiting for an organ or tissue transplant.

In the words of one of the country's most eminent heart transplant surgeons, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, transplantation is "one of the great success stories of the latter half of the 20th century", yet the stumbling block stopping the full realisation of its success is apathy.

Millions do not think to express their feelings on the subject to friends or family even though they would like to help others in this way.

According to John Evans, chairman and founder of the British Organ Donor Society, surveys show that over 75 per cent of the public say they would be willing to donate organs or tissue, yet only a fraction communicate their sentiments which in turn leads to the needless suffering or death of so many.

The society works alongside health professionals and families affected by organ donation, both recipients and donors.

Mr Evans said: "It's all about communication. We want people to make an informed decision and to have an idea of what is involved.

"Like Lesley Tibbey, many families do gain a sense of support by being a donor family. It must be emphasised that in many cases, although it may not be possible for organs to be donated, which can only happen if 'brain stem death' has been confirmed by two doctors, many die where tissue donation is possible. It's so important that everyone makes their wishes known, carry a card or just sign up on the register."

But despite frustration with insufficient donor numbers, Mr Evans strongly disagrees with suggestions that Britain should follow in the heels of some European counterparts where organs are taken for donation unless a person explicitly states they are against donation prior to death.

"People tally the numbers and assume 'presumed consent' would solve the problem but legal battles, like one a few years back between doctors and a family in France often ensue.

"It should be a voluntary, altruistic donation and I feel it is emotionally important for all involved that it is a gift. Indeed many people can only accept something knowing the donor agreed," remarked Mr Evans, whose own 20-year-old son's organs were donated after his death in 1983.

The Department of Health is also trying to dispel myths surrounding donation such as bad treatment of bodies after donation and fears that people may be certified dead prematurely simply because they are on the donation register.

A Department of Health spokesman said: "Organs are always removed with the greatest care and respect. Nothing can be removed from the body without express consent given by the donor and his or her relatives."

Health officials feared that donor numbers would plummet after the Alder Hey scandal erupted earlier this year and immediately set up the Retained Organs Commission which issues strict guidance to all NHS Trusts about accurate record keeping.

But according to Mr Evans, January and February saw more inquiries than ever about organ donation being logged with the rate six or seven times greater at the height of the scandal than usual. He said this underlines the importance of communication and education.

The cutting edge and controversial implications of human cloning techniques is also currently an issue of hot debate.

Mr Evans said: "We are doing it with tissue already. BODY (British Organ Donor Society) is not against cloning per se. Selective cloning whereby organs and tissues are reproduced using cloning techniques may be argued for, but I would never support the cloning of whole human beings for procreation or to use their organs."

With a £3 million plan underway by the Department of Health, experts have predicted that the number of people on the organ donation register will double from eight to sixteen million by 2010.

Drives to educate the public about the issues and health care training services will be included in this unprecedented national effort to improve transplant services.

As Lesley said of her son's donation: "His death was not in vain as it has given other people a chance of life."

Anyone wishing to explore the issues surrounding donation can contact UK Transplant on 0845 6060400 or can register on-line at www.nhsorgandonor.net