A Growing Crisis: More People Waiting for Organ Transplants in the North East and Yorkshire
In the North East and Yorkshire, a record number of people are currently waiting for an organ transplant. The figure has reached 1,046 individuals, highlighting a growing concern across the region. Among them is Kerry Fear, who is awaiting a heart transplant at the Freeman Hospital. Her situation underscores the urgency and emotional toll faced by those on the waiting list.
Kerry, 50, has a bag packed and is ready to answer the call whenever it comes. However, she remains in a state of anticipation, hoping for the operation that will allow her to return to a more active life with her family in Yeovil, Somerset. She requires a transplant in Newcastle because only two hospitals in the country can perform the specific procedure she needs. This is due to her complex medical history, which includes a Fontan surgery as a child, making her case particularly challenging.
Despite the difficulties, Kerry continues to maintain a positive outlook. She visits Newcastle annually, where she praises the care she receives. At the same time, she is passionate about encouraging families to have difficult conversations about organ donation. Her message is clear: organ donation can give someone a second chance at life, and it is a meaningful act that brings comfort to both donors and recipients.
Living with the Wait
Kerry began undergoing transplant assessments at the Freeman Hospital in 2016. Initially, these were every two years, but she was eventually listed for a transplant last year. The wait has been emotionally taxing, but she has learned to cope over time. She recalls the initial panic whenever the phone rang, but now she keeps her phone close and always has a bag ready. Her family makes an effort to create memories together, even while navigating the uncertainty of her condition.
Living with the wait has not stopped Kerry from enjoying life. She continues to work part-time for a charity, walks her dogs when possible, and cherishes moments with her husband, Nick, and his daughter, Poppy. Recently, she started kayaking, which she finds manageable and enjoyable.
A Life Spent in Hospitals
Kerry’s journey has been marked by frequent hospital visits since childhood. She has congenital heart problems and is still under the care of the team in Southampton, which has become something of a second home. Her first major surgery took place at age five, and she had open-heart surgeries again at nine and 18. The Fontan procedure she underwent has led to long-term complications, including arrhythmia, which she now manages.
Despite these challenges, Kerry describes herself as a “positive and resilient person.” She emphasizes the importance of living each day to the fullest, even with limitations. Her determination is evident in her daily activities, and she remains hopeful for the future.
A Message for Organ Donors
Kerry also has a heartfelt message for those considering organ donation. She acknowledges that many people are waiting for transplants, some more urgently than she is. While she may need to wait for many years, she is committed to making the most of her current life.
She believes that organ donation is a powerful act of generosity. It provides comfort to families and gives others a chance at a better life. Kerry’s own family knows she would want to donate all she can, as she sees no use for her organs after death.
Her dream is to run a marathon, something she has not been able to do due to her health. A successful transplant could change that, allowing her to live more actively and freely. She hopes to honor her donor by living a meaningful life and making the most of the gift she receives.
A National Challenge
The situation in the North East and Yorkshire reflects a broader national challenge. According to recent figures, there are 8,096 people waiting for transplants across the UK — the highest number ever recorded. This comes amid a decline in organ donations from deceased donors. In the region, the number of organ donors dropped from 220 to 166 last year.
While 560 people received transplants in the North East and Yorkshire in 2023, compared to 530 the previous year, there are still concerns about the overall supply. NHS Blood and Transplant’s director, Anthony Clarkson, highlighted the critical need for more people to register their decision to donate and to discuss this with their families.
He noted that 60% of donors last year were on the NHS Organ Donor Register, which made it easier for families to support the decision. When people know what their loved ones wanted, they are more likely to agree to donation.
How to Get Involved
For those interested in learning more about organ donation or confirming their support, the NHS website offers valuable information. You can visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 23, or use the NHS app. These resources provide guidance on registration and the importance of having these conversations with loved ones.
Organ donation is a life-changing act that can save lives and bring hope to countless families. As the number of people waiting for transplants continues to rise, the need for more donors becomes increasingly urgent. Every individual who chooses to register can make a difference, offering a chance at a new beginning for someone in need.
