Leaders of the major faith groups have put their support behind the Wall of Life, an interactive campaign launched today by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). The campaign - at www.walloflife.org.uk - aims to promote awareness of and support for organ donation to boost the number of people joining the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
The Wall of Life is an online mosaic created from people's photos posted on the site to show their support for organ donation. These photos come together to make up the image of two-year old Louisa McGregor-Smith whose life was saved by a heart transplant in 2007 at just five months old. At least 60,000 people need to upload their photos on to the Wall to build Louisa's image.
People joining the Wall of Life can then pass details to their friends and families to download a personalised widget on their social profiles and websites, spreading the message across social networks.
The Wall of Life has been created as part of a national campaign to highlight the constant need for organs in the UK. More than 10,000 people currently need a transplant operation, of whom 1000 - 3 a day - will die before an organ becomes available.
Faith group leaders who are supporting the Wall of Life include:
• Rt Rev Dr Tom Butler, The Bishop of Southwark
• Dr Indarjit Singh, Director of the Sikh Network UK
• Sir Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi
• Anil Bhanot, General Secretary of the Hindu Council UK
• Dr Shuja Shafi, Vice Chair of the Muslim Council of Britain's health and medical committee
• Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster
They are joined by a number of public figures, including:
• Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Paralympic gold medallist
• Trisha Goddard, TV presenter
• Asif Khan, actor
• David Gower, former England cricketer and sports commentator
Lynda Hamlyn, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "People often find organ donation a difficult subject to raise with their family and friends and some are unsure of the stance which their religion takes on the issue. This public support from faith leaders gives them clear guidance to help their decision about organ donation.
"We all have the potential to save lives by signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register, demonstrating our support by joining the Wall of Life and spreading the message to others."
Louisa's mother, Samantha added: "We are so grateful that our baby girl was given a second chance and keen that everyone knows the good that comes out of signing up to NHS Organ Donation Register."
For more information about organ donation or to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register, please call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.walloflife.org.uk
